# keep to

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

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

## Definition

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

For teachers: to adhere strictly to a predetermined plan, schedule, or set of regulations; to limit oneself to a specific topic or path.

## Examples

- Please keep to the path so you don't get lost.
- If we want to finish the project on time, we must keep to the original schedule.
- The witness was instructed to keep to the facts of the case and avoid any personal speculation regarding the defendant's motives.

## Pitfalls

- Not "You must keep to your promises." but "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.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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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.