keep at a distance

USAGE SUMMARY

"keep at a distance" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to maintaining physical or emotional space from someone or something. Example: "To avoid conflict, it's best to keep at a distance from those who provoke you." Alternative expressions include "stay away" and "maintain distance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

I try to keep at a distance and never invade," Sebald says.

The Guardian - Books

Women believed that they had to keep at a distance so that the bear would not make them pregnant.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But in immersing himself in the lives of the very people he struggled to keep at a distance, Holroyd has written perhaps his best book yet.

The New York Times - Books

The Arabs, who have always preferred to keep at a distance from the locals, have now gone further underground, resorting to hide-outs in tunnels dug into the mountainside in the Datta Khel area adjacent to Miram Shah, he said.

The New York Times

But if you are a household member who is not in close contact with the sick person, keep at a distance and there is no need to use a face mask or respirator, the C.D.C. advises.

The New York Times

We discuss one of Liam's tattoos – thick arrows on his forearm that the girls think reference the band's name, and that I suggest are like those chevrons on motorways, reminding everyone to keep at a distance.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

keeps at a distance an encroacher.

Yale University

"I was always kept at a distance.

The New York Times - Magazine

Everything is kept at a distance.

The Guardian - Arts

Justice Department officials emphasized that the White House had been kept at a distance.

The New York Times

Workers crowded around the entrance, kept at a distance by police officers.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

The phrase works effectively in both active and passive voices; however, "kept at a distance" is particularly frequent in journalism when describing restricted access for reporters or the public.

Common error

Writers sometimes mistakenly use "keep at the distance" when they mean "keep at a distance". Using "the" implies there is a specific, previously mentioned measurement of space, whereas "a" is the correct idiomatic choice for general separation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep at a distance" functions as a verb phrase consisting of the verb "keep" and a prepositional phrase acting as an adverbial of place. In Ludwig examples, it is frequently used intransitively or with a direct object to establish spatial or boundaries.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep at a distance" is a well-established and correct English expression used to describe maintaining space between two entities. According to Ludwig AI analysis, it is widely utilized across high-quality journalism and academic writing to signify both literal physical separation and metaphorical emotional boundaries. While the active form is common, the passive "kept at a distance" is frequently employed in news reports to describe social exclusion or restricted access. It is highly recommended to use the indefinite article "a" unless referring to a specific, previously defined measurement. For more idiomatic variations, consider "keep at arm's length" when discussing interpersonal relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain a distance

A slightly more formal variant often used in technical or procedural descriptions.

keep at arm's length

Focuses more on avoiding personal or professional intimacy rather than just physical space.

hold at a distance

Suggests a more active, forceful effort to keep something from getting close.

keep away

The simplest and most direct way to describe not going near something or someone.

keep at bay

Implies maintaining distance specifically to prevent something dangerous or unpleasant from approaching.

give a wide berth

Idiomatic expression suggesting a large amount of space to ensure total safety or avoidance.

steer clear of

Emphasizes active avoidance to prevent a collision or conflict.

stand back

Direct and physical, usually used as a command or description of immediate physical positioning.

remain aloof

Shifts the focus to a psychological or social state of being detached and cool.

shun

A much stronger term indicating total social rejection and persistent avoidance.

FAQs

How do I use "keep at a distance" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe physical separation, such as "The police advised the crowd to "keep at a distance" from the burning building."

What can I say instead of "keep at a distance"?

Depending on your context, you can use phrases like "keep at arm's length" for social situations or "steer clear of" for avoiding trouble.

What is the difference between "keep at a distance" and "keep at arm's length"?

While "keep at a distance" is often literal and physical, "keep at arm's length" is almost always metaphorical, referring to avoiding close relationships or involvement.

Is it correct to say "keep a distance" or "keep at a distance"?

Both are used, but "keep at a distance" is more common when emphasizing the state of being separated, while "keep a distance" (often followed by "of X meters") is used when specifying a gap.