Phrasal verb
keep out
Definition
phrasal verb. to stay away from a place, or to stop someone or something from entering.
phrasal verb. to remain outside a specified area or to prevent entry; functions as both an intransitive imperative and a transitive verb.
Examples
“The sign on the gate says 'Keep Out'.”
“We used a tall fence to keep out the neighborhood cats from our garden.”
“Despite the heavy security measures intended to keep out unauthorized personnel, several protesters managed to breach the perimeter during the summit.”
Examples
simple
“The sign on the gate says 'Keep Out'.”
contextual
“We used a tall fence to keep out the neighborhood cats from our garden.”
complex
“Despite the heavy security measures intended to keep out unauthorized personnel, several protesters managed to breach the perimeter during the summit.”
Usage
often used as a command on signs; when transitive, the object can go between 'keep' and 'out'.
Teaching tip
teach as a high-frequency safety sign first; then introduce the transitive form 'keep [something] out' to show how the meaning extends to protection.
Pitfall
The wall keeps out to the cold.
The wall keeps out the cold.
do not use 'to' after 'keep out'; the phrase takes a direct object immediately after the particle.
Phrasal verb
Particles
out
Separability
optional
Pattern
keep + (object) + out
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Level
- A2 · ElementaryOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/keep-out