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Collocation

Don't let me keep you.

negative imperative + causative verb + object + bare infinitive C1 negative imperative + causative verb + object + bare infinitive

A polite way to end a conversation or visit, indicating that you are aware the other person might be busy or need to go, and you don't want to take up any more of their time.

Don't let me keep you.: A polite way to end a conversation or visit, indicating that you are aware the other person might be…

Definition

'Don't let me keep you.' is a common English collocation. A polite way to end a conversation or visit, indicating that you are aware the other person might be busy or need to go, and you don't want to take up any more of their time.

Don't let + object pronoun + keep + object pronoun

“It was great catching up, but don't let me keep you from your next appointment.”

Examples

  • I know you're busy, so please don't let me keep you any longer.
  • It was nice seeing you, but don't let me keep you from your work.
  • You look like you're in a bit of a hurry; don't let me keep you, go ahead.
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  • We've been talking for hours, so don't let me keep you up all night.
  • I know you have a flight to catch early tomorrow, so don't let me keep you here much longer.
  • Before you leave, just a quick word, but please, don't let me keep you too long.
  • Although I genuinely enjoy our conversations, I must be mindful of your packed schedule, so don't let me keep you.
  • Well, I should really get going. Don't let me keep you.
  • I'm sure you have other plans for the evening, so don't let me keep you much longer.
  • I appreciate you stopping by on such short notice, but with your tight deadlines looming, don't let me keep you any longer than necessary.

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