Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Understanding the Phrasal Verb 'Keep Out'

📖 Definition

To prevent someone or something from entering a place or being included. Often used in security or protection contexts.

Examples in context

The strict policy will keep out unqualified applicants.
She installed a security camera to keep out burglars.
He drew the blinds to keep out the bright sunlight.

📖 Definition

To prevent someone or something from entering a place or being included. Often used in security or protection contexts.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

The object can be placed between 'keep' and 'out'.

Neutral

Can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

Requires an object (e.g., 'keep the dog out').

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	keep out	They keep out intruders with their security system.
Past Simple	kept out	The door kept out the cold wind yesterday.
Present Continuous	keeping out	He is keeping out the light with blackout curtains.
Present Perfect	have kept out	We have kept out unwanted guests successfully with new locks.

💡 When to Use

preventing entrance

Used when blocking someone or something from entering to ensure safety or privacy.

Example: "Guardians are keeping out unauthorized visitors."

excluding from a group

Used to indicate exclusion from a social or professional group or activity.

Example: "They kept out rivals from the negotiations."

protective barriers

Used when referring to physical or metaphorical barriers meant to maintain security.

Example: "High walls keep out intruders effectively."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

incorrect placement

❌ Wrong: Keep out the cat the room.

✅ Correct: Keep the cat out of the room.

💡 Tip: Ensure the object follows 'keep' and out is separated.

missing preposition

❌ Wrong: Keep strangers out.

✅ Correct: Keep out strangers.

💡 Tip: 'Out' should follow directly to complete the phrase.

incorrect verb tense

❌ Wrong: They keeps out burglars.

✅ Correct: They keep out burglars.

💡 Tip: Use the correct verb tense for the subject.

Practice

KEEP OUT - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

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

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

The strict policy will keep out unqualified applicants.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

She installed a security camera to keep out burglars.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

He drew the blinds to keep out the bright sunlight.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

exclude prevent

Antonyms

allow

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The fortress walls were built to ___ invaders."

enter

keep out

invite

welcome

"In the dance of life, to keep out negativity is to build a fortress of peace around the soul."

In Context

In August 1939, Bernard Montgomery took command of the British 3rd Division. In the looming threat of German invasions, his main task was to keep out enemy forces from British soil. As the German army advanced rapidly through Europe, Montgomery used strategic defenses to keep out any potential attacks on key positions along the British Channel. Training his men vigorously, he instilled a discipline that emphasized vigilance and tenacity. When the German Luftwaffe launched the Battle of Britain in 1940, Montgomery and his forces were ready. They managed to keep out enemy ground forces, though aerial battles raged above. Commanding troops with fervor, Montgomery played a crucial role in the defense that eventually led to the ultimate failure of Hitler’s Operation Sea Lion. His leadership ensured that the Nazis were kept out of Britain, allowing the island nation to serve as a stronghold for Allied forces. Montgomery's ability to keep out German troops provided time for the British military to regroup and strategize. His efforts during these critical times marked a turning point in the war, demonstrating the importance of maintaining a strong defense to keep out those who came to conquer.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Keep Out

What is the origin of 'keep out'?

The phrase 'keep out' originates from the Old English 'cepan' meaning to seize or hold, combined with 'ut', an adverb for outside, indicating exclusion or being outside.

Can 'keep out' be used in formal and informal contexts?

'Keep out' can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is versatile, suitable for legal policies to personal boundaries when no unwelcome presence is desired.

What is the difference between 'keep out' and 'exclude'?

'Keep out' is often used for physical or protective contexts, while 'exclude' can imply intentional omission from groups or considerations, with less emphasis on physical barriers.

Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs

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

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

KEEP OUT - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Keep Out

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega