keep a safe distance from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep a safe distance from" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the physical separation of two people, places or things. For example, "It's important to keep a safe distance from the edge of the cliff when hiking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

"In evacuating the area, keep a safe distance from vehicles and trash bins".

The Guardian

To keep a safe distance from the barge, a tug "cannot and must not lose power," Latham says.

The New Yorker

Unsure of their intentions, the Nitze changed course several times to try to keep a safe distance from offshore oil rigs in the area.

The New York Times

But he said he enjoys working outside and makes sure he uses a long-handled scoop to keep a safe distance from the waste.

The New York Times

For the most efficient travelers, a certain code seems to have developed: If possible, keep a safe distance from anyone holding a camera or a map.

The New York Times

The car shifted to the exact centre of the lane, and continued throughout the 20-minute journey to drive smoothly and keep a safe distance from the other vehicles.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

A pending legal dispute involving claims that Captain Phillips had ignored warnings to keep a safer distance from Somalia does not figure directly in the film, which became closely focused on the personal conflict between two very different men, Captain Phillips and the pirate Mr. Muse.

The New York Times

Most protesters kept a safe distance from the barrier.

The New York Times

Let's just hope everyone involved keeps a safe distance from the sideline heaters, so Baltimore's Ed Reed is the only flaming N.F.L. player we have this week.

The New York Times - Sports

Even with a major role in "The Bourne Identity," the espionage extravaganza starring Matt Damon that opens June 14, Mr. Cooper keeps a safe distance from show business by living full time near Plymouth, Mass.

The New York Times

Shakespeare, the supreme master of displacement and strategic indirection, never wrote what were called "city comedies" — plays in contemporary English settings — and, with very rare exceptions, he kept a safe distance from current events.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing others about safety, use "keep a safe distance from" to clearly communicate the need for physical separation to prevent accidents or exposure to danger. Be specific about the source of the danger.

Common error

Avoid using "keep a safe distance from" without specifying what the potential hazard is. For example, instead of saying "keep a safe distance from", clarify by stating "keep a safe distance from the construction site" or "keep a safe distance from wild animals".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep a safe distance from" functions as an instructional phrase, primarily used to advise or warn individuals about potential dangers. Ludwig shows it is used to provide guidance and prevent accidents by highlighting the need for physical separation from the specified hazard.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

23%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep a safe distance from" is a versatile phrase used to advise or warn about potential dangers, primarily focusing on maintaining physical separation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across contexts. This phrase is prevalent in news, wikis and scientific publications, demonstrating its broad relevance. To use it effectively, specify the hazard to ensure clarity and enhance its impact. Consider alternative phrases like "maintain a safe distance from" or "stay a safe distance from" for nuanced communication. Always prioritize clarity to ensure your message is understood and heeded.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain a safe distance from

Replaces "keep" with "maintain", emphasizing the act of sustaining the distance.

stay a safe distance from

Uses "stay" instead of "keep", focusing on remaining at a distance.

keep your distance from

Adds a possessive pronoun, making the instruction more personal.

ensure a safe distance from

Emphasizes the action of making sure a safe distance is present.

keep away from

A more general phrase indicating avoidance.

avoid close proximity to

Shifts the focus to avoiding closeness rather than maintaining separation, using more formal vocabulary.

observe a safe distance from

Uses "observe" implying a conscious effort to maintain distance.

steer clear of

An idiomatic expression meaning to avoid someone or something.

remain separate from

Focuses on the state of being apart.

give a wide berth to

An idiomatic expression meaning to keep a safe distance, especially from ships.

FAQs

How can I use "keep a safe distance from" in a sentence?

The phrase "keep a safe distance from" is used to advise someone to maintain physical separation from a potential hazard. For example, "It's important to keep a safe distance from the machinery" or "During the pandemic, you should keep a safe distance from others".

What's a more formal way to say "keep a safe distance from"?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "maintain a safe distance from" or "avoid close proximity to". These alternatives are suitable for professional or academic contexts.

Is it always necessary to specify the reason for maintaining a safe distance?

While not always grammatically required, specifying the reason for maintaining a safe distance enhances clarity and emphasizes the importance of the instruction. For example, "keep a safe distance from the edge because it's slippery" provides more context than simply saying "keep a safe distance from the edge".

What are some common things people are told to "keep a safe distance from"?

Common examples include hazardous materials, wild animals, construction sites, and potentially dangerous machinery. The specific context determines what people should be told to "keep a safe distance from".