Phrasal verb
keep around
Definition
phrasal verb. to continue to have someone or something near you because they might be useful or pleasant.
phrasal verb. to retain the presence or services of a person, or to keep an object in one's immediate environment for potential future utility.
Examples
“I think I'll keep this old map around just in case.”
“Even though he is retired, the company decided to keep him around as a part-time consultant.”
“The CEO preferred to keep around a small circle of trusted advisors who were willing to challenge her strategic assumptions.”
Examples
simple
“I think I'll keep this old map around just in case.”
contextual
“Even though he is retired, the company decided to keep him around as a part-time consultant.”
complex
“The CEO preferred to keep around a small circle of trusted advisors who were willing to challenge her strategic assumptions.”
Usage
often used with people to imply they are being retained for their value or company.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'keep' (general possession) by highlighting that 'keep around' emphasizes physical proximity or continued availability in a specific environment.
Pitfall
I keep around it.
I keep it around.
when the object is a pronoun, it must come between the verb and the particle.
Phrasal verb
Particles
around
Separability
optional
Pattern
keep + (object) + around