Phrasal verb
keep up
Meanings
to stay at the same speed or level as someone or something
to continue doing something without stopping; to maintain an activity or habit
to stay informed about something that changes or develops
Definition
To keep up means to continue doing something or to stay at the same level or speed as someone or something.
To keep up is a common phrasal verb meaning to maintain the same pace, standard, or progress. You can use it for physical speed (walking, running), for work or study demands, or for staying informed about news and changes. It often implies effort because things are moving quickly.
Examples
- I can’t keep up with the pace of this class yet.
- You need to keep up if you want to walk with us.
- She keeps up with industry news by listening to podcasts.
- They worked late to keep up with their orders this week.
Common mistake
Learners often omit the preposition and say "keep up the class" instead of "keep up with the class" when they mean to match someone’s pace or level.
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.