Phrasal verb
keep out
Meanings
to prevent someone or something from entering a place or area
to stay away from a place, object, or situation in order to avoid trouble or danger
Definition
To prevent someone or something from entering a place.
"Keep out" means to stop someone or something from going into a space or crossing a boundary. It often describes controlling access to a room, area, or container. It can also mean staying away from something to avoid problems or danger.
Examples
- I keep out of the workshop when my dad is using power tools.
- You should keep out of the kitchen while the floor is wet.
- He used a key code to keep out unwanted visitors.
- She kept out of the argument and focused on her work.
- They installed a tall fence to keep out deer from the garden.
Common mistake
Learners often forget the preposition and say "keep out trouble" instead of the correct "keep out of trouble."
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.