What are the definitions of “keep back”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Maintain a safe distance.
The police told the crowd to KEEP BACK from the fire.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “keep back”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb keep back is to maintain a safe distance from something or someone. It is often used to describe staying away from danger or avoiding getting too close to a situation.
What are the different verb forms of “keep back”?
| Root Verb | keep back |
| Third Person Singular Present | keeps back |
| Present Participle | keeping back |
| Simple Past | kept back |
| Past Participle | kept back |
Example
Please keep back from the edge of the cliff.
Example
She keeps back from the aggressive dog.
Example
The security guard is keeping back the crowd from the stage.
Example
The teacher kept back the students from the broken glass.
Example
The police had kept back the protesters from the building.
What kind of phrasal verb is “keep back”?
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.)
Intransitive verb
“keep back” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The crowd was asked to keep back from the fire.
Example
Please keep back from the construction site.
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 back” 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
The crowd was asked to keep back from the fire.
Example
Please keep back from the construction site.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “keep back”?
To withhold or conceal information from others.
Example
He decided to keep back the truth about the incident from his friends.
Good things to know
Does “keep back” have an informal or formal tone?
Keep back is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as in a workplace or academic environment.
