What are the definitions of “keep down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Not vomit.
The food was so horrible that I struggled to KEEP it DOWN.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “keep down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb keep down is to not vomit or to prevent something from coming out of your stomach. It is often used when someone feels sick or has eaten something that does not agree with them.
What are the different verb forms of “keep down”?
| Root Verb | keep down |
| Third Person Singular Present | keeps down |
| Present Participle | keeping down |
| Simple Past | kept down |
| Past Participle | kept down |
Example
I hope I can keep down this medicine; it tastes terrible.
Example
She keeps down her lunch even though she feels nauseous.
Example
He is keeping down his food despite feeling sick.
Example
Yesterday, she kept down her breakfast even though she had a stomachache.
Example
The food was so spicy, but he kept it down anyway.
What kind of phrasal verb is “keep down”?
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 down” 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 down her lunch despite feeling sick.
Example
He kept the medicine down even though it tasted bad.
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 down” 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 down her lunch despite feeling sick.
Example
He kept the medicine down even though it tasted bad.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “keep down”?
Good things to know
Does “keep down” have an informal or formal tone?
Keep down is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
