# abreast of

CEFR C1 · Prepositional phrase

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abreast-of
Updated: 2026-07-28

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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'.

## Examples

- I read the news to stay abreast of local events.
- It is difficult for doctors to stay abreast of all the new medical research published every month.
- The regulatory department must remain abreast of shifting international trade laws to ensure the company maintains its compliance status across all global markets.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He stays abreast with the news." but "He stays abreast of the news." — the phrase requires the preposition 'of' rather than 'with' or 'about'.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.