KEEP FROM

đź“– Definition

The phrasal verb 'keep from' means to prevent oneself or someone else from doing something. It involves a conscious effort to stop an action or avoid a particular outcome.

Examples in context

đź“– Definition

The phrasal verb 'keep from' means to prevent oneself or someone else from doing something. It involves a conscious effort to stop an action or avoid a particular outcome.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
No
The verb and preposition cannot be separated by other words.
Register
Neutral
Suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
Transitive
Yes
Requires an object to complete its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple keep from She keeps from eating sweets to maintain her health.
Past Simple kept from He kept from speaking out despite the pressure.
Present Continuous keeping from They are keeping from revealing the secret until the event.
Present Perfect have kept from We have kept from making hasty decisions during negotiations.

đź’ˇ When to Use

Avoiding an action
Use when indicating a conscious decision to not engage in an activity or behavior.
Example: "He keeps from interrupting during meetings."
Preventing someone
Use when referring to stopping someone from doing something harmful or undesired.
Example: "She kept her friend from making a big mistake."
Maintaining secrecy
Use when intentionally withholding information or actions from being known.
Example: "They keep from sharing the project details prematurely."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect preposition
❌ Wrong: He keeps of eating sweets.
âś… Correct: He keeps from eating sweets.
đź’ˇ Tip: Use 'from' not 'of' to indicate prevention.
Separation of phrasal verb
❌ Wrong: He keeps his friends from not eating sweets.
âś… Correct: He keeps from not eating sweets.
đź’ˇ Tip: Do not separate the phrasal verb with an object.
Wrong tense
❌ Wrong: He keep from
âś… Correct: He keeps from
đź’ˇ Tip: Ensure the correct verb tense is applied.
Practice

KEEP FROM - 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

restrain prevent

Antonyms

encourage

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"He tried to ___ from giving away the secret."

keep at
keep from
keep on
keep in

"To keep from falling into despair is an act of courage that guards the heart and nurtures hope life's storms."

In Context

During the late 18th century, Catherine the Great of Russia faced substantial challenges in her rule. Her ascent to power in 1762 was fraught with political intrigue, yet she managed to keep from losing the crown due to her exceptional command over the court and strategic alliances. Despite plots and conspiracies that swirled around her, Catherine kept from being dethroned by instituting reforms that strengthened her position. Her rule ushered in the enlightenment to Russia, introducing educational reforms and expanding the empire's territories. The peasant revolt led by Pugachev posed another significant threat to her reign. To keep from losing control to rebellious factions, Catherine deployed a strong military force and enacted policies to address the grievances of the masses. By the end of her reign in 1796, she had transformed Russia into a significant European power, displaying her resilience. Catherine’s ability to keep from succumbing to the numerous political and social challenges is a testament to her leadership. Her legacy as one of the most powerful rulers endures, underscoring how she kept from falling victim to the same fate that befell many contemporaries.

âť“ Frequently Asked Questions about Keep From

What is the origin of keep from?

+
The phrase 'keep from' has Middle English origins, rooted in the Old English 'cepan' meaning to seize or hold, and 'fram' indicating a point of separation.

Can keep from be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
'Keep from' is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings, making it appropriate for business communication and casual conversations.

What is the difference between keep from and restrain?

+
While 'keep from' means preventing an action by choice, 'restrain' implies holding back physically or emotionally, often using force or constraint.
Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs
National Parks Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra NĂłbrega
About the Author

Alessandra NĂłbrega

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