ENGLISH
REFERENCE

keep to

phr. v..
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford

phr. v.. to follow a rule, a plan, or a promise without changing it.

phr. v.. to adhere strictly to a predetermined plan, schedule, or set of regulations; to limit oneself to a specific topic or path.


SIMPLE

Please keep to the path so you don't get lost.

CONTEXTUAL

If we want to finish the project on time, we must keep to the original schedule.

COMPLEX

The witness was instructed to keep to the facts of the case and avoid any personal speculation regarding the defendant's motives.

Particles
to
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
keep + to + object
Usage

usually followed by an abstract noun like 'plan', 'schedule', 'rules', or 'topic'.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'stick to', which is more informal; 'keep to' implies a more disciplined or formal adherence to a boundary.

Pitfall

You must keep to your promises.You must keep your promises.when talking about promises, 'keep' is used alone; 'keep to' is for following a plan or staying within a limit.

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