What are the definitions of “keep away”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Don't allow someone near something.
Medicines should always be KEPT AWAY from children.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “keep away”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb keep away is to prevent someone or something from coming close to or touching something else. It is often used to emphasize the importance of safety or protection. For example, it can mean keeping dangerous objects or substances out of reach of children or pets.
What are the different verb forms of “keep away”?
| Root Verb | keep away |
| Third Person Singular Present | keeps away |
| Present Participle | keeping away |
| Simple Past | kept away |
| Past Participle | kept away |
Example
Please keep away from the construction site.
Example
She keeps away from the busy streets when walking her dog.
Example
He is keeping away from the kitchen while his mom is cooking.
Example
Yesterday, they kept away from the park because it was too crowded.
Example
The dangerous chemicals have been kept away from the children.
What kind of phrasal verb is “keep away”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“keep away” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She kept the dog away from the baby.
Example
He kept away the children from the broken glass.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“keep away” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She kept the dog away from the baby.
Example
He kept away the children from the broken glass.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “keep away”?
Good things to know
Does “keep away” have an informal or formal tone?
Keep away is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as safety instructions or guidelines. The level of formality depends on the specific context in which it is used.
