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Phrasal verbs "keep out" vs "set out"

Differences between keep out and set out

Keep out means to prevent someone or something from entering a place, while set out means to start a journey or task with a specific goal or intention.

Meanings and Definitions: keep out vs set out

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Keep out

  • 1Not allow someone to enter.

    The police KEPT the demonstrators OUT of the building.

Set out

  • 1Display, show.

    The figures are SET OUT in the council's annual report.

  • 2Start a journey.

    The explorers SET OUT for the South Pole yesterday morning.

  • 3Arrange, organise.

    The contract SETS OUT all the details of the agreement.

Usage Examples: keep out, set out in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

keep out

Example

Please keep out of the construction zone for your safety.

Example

The fence keeps out wild animals from the garden.

set out

Example

They set out on their road trip early in the morning.

Example

She sets out for work at 7 AM every day.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Keep out

stay away

To avoid going near or being in a particular place or situation.

Example

The sign said 'Danger: Stay away,' so we didn't go any further.

bar entry

To block or prevent someone or something from entering a place.

Example

The bouncer was instructed to bar entry to anyone without a valid ID.

prohibit access

To forbid or restrict someone from entering or using a particular place or resource.

Example

The museum prohibits access to certain exhibits for safety reasons.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Set out

embark on

To start or begin a journey or task with enthusiasm or determination.

Example

She embarked on a new career path after finishing her degree.

lay out

To plan or organize something in detail before starting it.

Example

He laid out a clear strategy before launching his startup.

start off

To begin or initiate something with a specific goal or intention.

Example

We started off the meeting by outlining our objectives for the quarter.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “keep”

Phrasal Verbs with “set”

Phrasal Verbs with “out”

Differences in keep out vs set out: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: keep out or set out?

In daily conversation, people use set out more often than keep out. This is because set out is used for more common activities such as starting a project or going on a trip. Keep out is not used as much in everyday conversation. It's mainly used when we want to warn someone not to enter a specific area.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of keep out and set out

Keep out and set out are both informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of keep out and set out

The tone of keep out and set out can differ based on context. Keep out often carries a warning or threatening tone when related to preventing access to a place, while set out typically has a determined and purposeful tone, especially when referring to starting a journey or task.

keep out & set out: Synonyms and Antonyms

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