What does the phrasal verb “keep from” mean?

What are the definitions of “keep from”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Control yourself, refrain.

  I couldn't KEEP FROM arguing with her.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “keep from”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb keep from is to control oneself or refrain from doing something. It means to stop oneself from taking a particular action or expressing a certain emotion.

What are the different verb forms of “keep from”?

Root Verb	keep from
Third Person Singular Present	keeps from
Present Participle	keeping from
Simple Past	kept from
Past Participle	kept from

Example

I try to keep from eating too much junk food.

Example

She keeps from talking about her personal life at work.

Example

He is keeping from telling her the truth to avoid hurting her feelings.

Example

Yesterday, they kept from laughing during the serious meeting.

Example

He has kept from smoking for over a year now.

What kind of phrasal verb is “keep from”?

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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 from” 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

I kept from laughing during the movie.

Example

She kept from crying when she heard the sad news.

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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 from” 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

I kept from laughing during the movie.

Example

She kept from crying when she heard the sad news.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “keep from”?

Keep something from someone

To withhold information or a secret from someone.

Example

She kept the surprise party plans from him until the last minute.

Keep someone from doing something

To prevent someone from taking a particular action.

Example

The heavy rain kept us from going to the beach.

Keep from harm

To protect someone or something from danger or damage.

Example

The mother tried to keep her children from harm during the storm.

Good things to know

Does “keep from” have an informal or formal tone?

Keep from 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.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “keep from”?

Synonyms

• refrain
• abstain
• restrain
• withhold
• prevent
• avoid
• hold back
• resist

Antonyms

• indulge
• surrender
• yield
• allow
• permit
• encourage
• release
• give in