keep away

USAGE SUMMARY

'keep away' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express a desire to not come in contact with someone or something, for example: "Please keep away from the dangerous chemicals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Keep away from it.

The New York Times

Couldn't keep away.

The New Yorker

They keep away my loneliness.

The New Yorker

Keep away from the edge".

The Guardian - Travel

I simply can't keep away.

The New Yorker

Keep away from his power".

The New York Times

Keep away from children and uninstructed persons.

The New York Times

Why is he unable to keep away?

The New Yorker

Keep away from small children.

Forbes

Keep away from your fiancee.

Forbes

Keep away.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone to "keep away" from something dangerous, be specific about the hazard to ensure they understand the risk clearly.

Common error

While versatile, avoid using "keep away" excessively in formal writing. Opt for more precise language that better conveys the intended nuance, such as "maintain distance" or "avoid contact".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "keep away" is as a phrasal verb, typically used in imperative sentences to advise or instruct someone to avoid a person, object, or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for expressing a desire to not come in contact with something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

48%

News & Media

45%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep away" is a versatile phrasal verb used to advise avoidance, with a generally neutral register. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's most frequently found in Wiki and News & Media contexts, often serving a directive purpose to warn or protect. While highly common, it's important to consider the specific context and choose the most precise language when writing formally. Related phrases such as "stay clear of" or "avoid contact with" can offer more nuance depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep your distance

A more idiomatic expression emphasizing personal space and avoidance of intimacy.

stay clear of

Emphasizes avoiding something potentially harmful or negative. It slightly changes the focus from maintaining distance to actively avoiding.

steer clear of

Implies careful navigation to avoid something, often used for abstract or metaphorical dangers.

give a wide berth to

Suggests creating ample space to avoid something, often due to potential danger or inconvenience.

avoid contact with

Highlights the act of preventing physical interaction, suitable in contexts where touch is a concern.

maintain distance from

Focuses on preserving a specific spatial separation, suitable in formal or technical contexts.

remain at a distance

Stresses the continuation of being separated, useful when describing a persistent state.

refrain from approaching

Formal and emphasizes conscious restraint from getting closer. More suitable for official instructions.

evade

Emphasizes actively escaping or dodging something. More direct and action-oriented.

shun

Implies deliberate and often social avoidance, carrying a stronger connotation of rejection.

FAQs

How can I use "keep away" in a sentence?

You can use "keep away" to advise someone to avoid something, as in "Keep away from the edge of the cliff" or "Keep away from negative influences".

What is a similar phrase to "keep away" that I can use?

You can use alternatives like "stay clear of", "avoid contact with", or "keep your distance" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "keep away" in writing?

"Keep away" is appropriate in both informal and formal writing, but in more formal contexts, consider using more precise alternatives like "maintain distance" or "refrain from approaching".

What's the difference between "keep away" and "stay away"?

While both phrases advise avoidance, "keep away" often implies preventing something from getting close, whereas "stay away" suggests remaining at a distance once already separated. The difference is subtle and often context-dependent.