ENGLISH
REFERENCE

abreast of

prepositional phrase.
C1 Advanced Formal
Definition

prepositional phrase. to stay informed about the latest news or changes in a specific subject. You use this when you want to show you are keeping up with new information.

prepositional phrase. to remain current with developments or information regarding a particular field or situation. It functions as a prepositional phrase, typically following the verbs 'keep' or 'stay'.


SIMPLE

I read the news to stay abreast of local events.

CONTEXTUAL

It is difficult for doctors to stay abreast of all the new medical research published every month.

COMPLEX

The regulatory department must remain abreast of shifting international trade laws to ensure the company maintains its compliance status across all global markets.

Usage

almost always follows the verbs 'keep' or 'stay' and is followed by the preposition 'of'.

Teaching tip

anchor the meaning by explaining the literal nautical origin: 'abreast' means side-by-side, so you are walking at the same speed as the news rather than falling behind.

Pitfall

He stays abreast with the news.He stays abreast of the news.the phrase requires the preposition 'of' rather than 'with' or 'about'.

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