KEEP PACE

National Parks

📖 Definition

To keep pace means to stay current or remain at the same level of advancement or speed as others, maintaining progress without falling behind.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

To keep pace means to stay current or remain at the same level of advancement or speed as others, maintaining progress without falling behind.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
No
The phrasal verb 'keep pace' cannot be separated by any object or pronoun.
Register
Neutral
It is neutral, suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
Transitive
No
As an intransitive phrasal verb, it does not take a direct object.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple keep pace They strive to keep pace with technological changes.
Past Simple kept pace She kept pace with her peers despite the challenges.
Present Continuous keeping pace I am keeping pace with the new curriculum.
Present Perfect have kept pace We have kept pace with market trends for years.

💡 When to Use

In adapting to change
Use when discussing someone’s ability to maintain speed or progress relative to a changing environment or situation.
Example: "To succeed, you must keep pace with technological trends."
In competitive environments
Use when describing efforts in a competitive setting to match or sustain rival speeds or standards.
Example: "They struggled to keep pace with rival companies."
In developmental progress
Use in contexts involving development or growth that requires alignment with others' advancements.
Example: "The country must keep pace with educational reforms."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect use of object
❌ Wrong: She kept pace the project.
✅ Correct: She kept pace with the project.
💡 Tip: Remember that 'with' is needed to specify what is being matched or kept up with.
Misplaced preposition
❌ Wrong: Keeping with pace, they succeed.
✅ Correct: Keeping pace with the changes, they succeed.
💡 Tip: Ensure 'pace' directly follows 'keeping'.
Wrong verb form
❌ Wrong: He keep pace with time.
✅ Correct: He keeps pace with time.
💡 Tip: Use correct verb form for subject-verb agreement.
Practice

KEEP PACE - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

stay current match progress

Antonyms

fall behind

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"It is important to ___ pace with current market trends."

hold
keep pace
keep on
stay on

"To keep pace with life is to embrace its rhythm, adapting with grace as the world turns at its own speed."

In Context

In the late 19th century, Thomas Edison was a visionary inventor whose life was a race against time to keep pace with a rapidly industrializing world. Born in 1847, Edison faced the challenge of keeping pace with technological advancements from a young age, with his curiosity driving him to invent the phonograph, the motion picture camera, and the electric light bulb. By the 1870s, Edison’s inventiveness needed to keep pace with growing global demands. His Menlo Park lab bustled with activity, a testament to his determination to not just keep pace with competitors, but to surpass them. Edison's team, recognizing the electric light’s potential, worked tirelessly to develop a practical incandescent lamp. Finally, in 1879, after many trials and errors, Edison unveiled his electric light bulb, an invention that electrified the world and illuminated the path for countless innovations. Through his relentless pursuit to keep pace with evolving technology, Edison not only changed the course of history but also set a standard for future inventors. In 1882, he installed the first commercial power station in New York City, further proving his ability to keep pace with the demands of modern life, ensuring his legacy as a pioneer in electrical engineering.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Keep Pace

What is the origin of keep pace?

+
The phrase 'keep pace' originates from the 1570s and is derived from the word 'pace,' meaning a step or speed of walking. It figuratively represents maintaining momentum or staying in line with others, originating in contexts where maintaining synchronization was crucial, such as in military drills.

Can keep pace be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
Yes, 'keep pace' is a neutral expression that fits both formal and informal contexts. Its adaptability makes it suitable across various genres of communication, from academic writings discussing technological advancements to casual conversations about personal growth and everyday challenges.

What is the difference between keep pace and stay current?

+
While both 'keep pace' and 'stay current' imply maintaining relevance, 'keep pace' often emphasizes speed or progress relative to others, commonly used in competitive contexts. 'Stay current', however, focuses more on staying informed and updated without necessarily involving competition or speed.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Explore more phrasal verbs in our dictionary:

carry onpress onpush forhold offhold out
Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs
National Parks Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra Nóbrega
About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey



0%
Scroll to Top