What are the definitions of “keep out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Not allow someone to enter.
The police KEPT the demonstrators OUT of the building.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “keep out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb keep out is to prevent someone or something from entering a place or area. It is often used to describe situations where access is restricted or not allowed.
What are the different verb forms of “keep out”?
| Root Verb | keep out |
| Third Person Singular Present | keeps out |
| Present Participle | keeping out |
| Simple Past | kept out |
| Past Participle | kept out |
Example
Please keep out of the construction zone for your safety.
Example
The fence keeps out wild animals from the garden.
Example
The security guard is keeping out unauthorized people from the event.
Example
They kept out the protesters from the meeting.
Example
The door was locked, so we were kept out of the room.
What kind of phrasal verb is “keep out”?
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 out” 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
The fence keeps out wild animals.
Example
The security guard kept the protesters out of the building.
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 out” 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 fence keeps out wild animals.
Example
The security guard kept the protesters out of the building.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “keep out”?
Good things to know
Does “keep out” have an informal or formal tone?
Keep out 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 situations, depending on the specific context.
