# keep off

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/keep-off
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to stay away from a place or to avoid touching something. you also use this to tell someone not to walk on a specific area, like grass.

For teachers: to refrain from entering, walking upon, or touching a specific area or substance; frequently used in the imperative for prohibitions.

## Examples

- Please keep off the grass.
- The doctor told him to keep off his injured leg for at least a week to let it heal.
- Security personnel were instructed to keep off any unauthorized individuals from the restricted perimeter during the high-profile summit.

## Pitfalls

- Not "Keep off from the grass." but "Keep off the grass." — the verb is followed directly by the object without the extra preposition 'from'.

## Usage notes

- often used as a command on signs or in medical advice regarding physical strain.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'stay off' which is more passive; 'keep off' often implies a rule or a deliberate effort to avoid contact.

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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.