What does the phrasal verb “keep to” mean?

What are the definitions of “keep to”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Stay within limits.

  Please KEEP TO the path.

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb keep to is to stay within certain limits or boundaries. It can be used to describe following a specific path, sticking to a plan, or staying within a set of rules.

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

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

Example

Please keep to the path when walking in the park.

Example

She always keeps to her schedule.

Example

He is keeping to the speed limit while driving.

Example

They kept to the rules during the game.

Example

The team has kept to the guidelines throughout the project.

What kind of phrasal verb is “keep to”?

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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.)

Transitive verb

“keep to” 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

Please keep to the path.

Example

She kept to her schedule.

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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 to” 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

Please keep to the path.

Example

She kept to her schedule.

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

Keep to oneself

To be private or avoid socializing with others.

Example

He tends to keep to himself and doesn't talk much with his coworkers.

Keep to a schedule

To follow a specific plan or timetable.

Example

She always keeps to her schedule, so she's never late for appointments.

Keep to the rules

To follow and obey a set of guidelines or regulations.

Example

It's important to keep to the rules when playing sports.

Good things to know

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

Keep to 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, such as in business or academic discussions.

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

Synonyms

• follow
• observe
• adhere to
• stick to
• abide by
• comply with
• conform to

Antonyms

• disregard
• ignore
• violate
• break
• disobey
• flout
• defy