keep far

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep far" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used in contexts where you want to advise someone to maintain a distance from something or someone. Example: "To avoid any potential danger, it's best to keep far from the edge of the cliff."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

(Warning to Ms. Cardella: keep far, far from the Avenue Montaigne).

The New York Times

They have cut their debt dramatically since the crisis and keep far more cash on hand.

The Economist

In all, Wii Sports Resort is destined to keep far too many people indoors over the rest of this summer.

The New York Times - Arts

Our host told us to get rid of our yellow stars, stay inside the farm walls and keep far away from the main house.

The New York Times

But there are other methods: keep far fewer secrets, manage them better — and, perhaps, along the way, become a bit more like WikiLeaks.

The New Yorker

The trick will be to keep far enough ahead of the Chinese on quality to justify higher prices.Hon Hai already thinks that iPads and iPhones may be too much of a good thing.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

By filling out a simple online form, he was able in a few minutes to set up an interactive Web page so Ms. Butcher could keep far-flung friends and family abreast of her condition and treatment.

The New York Times - Health

Meanwhile, out among the asteroids, the Pur'n'Kleen corporation mines ice to keep far-flung humanity hydrated.

Los Angeles Times

Keep far-away family members posted on the health of your loved one.

WikiHow

The scanning machine and the monitor are kept far apart, and the agent keeping an eye on the monitor is locked in some far-away office.

TechCrunch

Sometimes she kept far out of sight.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone to avoid something potentially harmful, consider using stronger, more common alternatives like "stay away" or "steer clear of" for greater clarity and impact.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "keep far" can sound awkward in formal writing. Opt for alternatives like "maintain a distance" or "remain separate" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep far" primarily functions as a directive, advising someone to maintain physical or metaphorical distance. It is used to suggest avoidance or separation. According to Ludwig AI, this phrasing can sometimes sound awkward, suggesting that more common alternatives might be preferable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep far" is used to advise maintaining distance, though it is not the most common or stylistically elegant choice. Ludwig AI suggests it may sound awkward, and stronger alternatives like "stay away" or "keep your distance" often provide greater clarity. While grammatically acceptable, it's important to consider the context and opt for more common phrasing in formal situations. Authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Economist do use the phrase, but its relative infrequency suggests careful consideration when selecting it for your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stay away

This alternative is a more direct and common way to express avoiding someone or something.

keep your distance

This alternative emphasizes maintaining a certain space between oneself and another person or object.

keep well away

This alternative is similar, but emphasizes a greater distance.

remain distant

This alternative suggests a continued state of separation or aloofness.

steer clear of

This alternative implies actively avoiding something potentially problematic or dangerous.

give a wide berth

This alternative means to keep a safe distance from something, often due to potential danger.

avoid contact with

This alternative highlights the prevention of physical or communicative interaction.

keep at arm's length

This alternative uses a metaphor to describe maintaining emotional or physical distance.

hold aloof from

This alternative suggests a deliberate and often superior detachment.

evade

This alternative is a more concise way to express avoiding something.

FAQs

What does "keep far" mean?

The phrase "keep far" means to maintain a significant distance from something or someone, often to avoid danger or unwanted interaction. Alternatives include "stay away" or "keep your distance".

Is it correct to say "keep far away"?

Yes, "keep far away" is grammatically correct and emphasizes the distance being maintained. It's a slightly more common variation than just "keep far".

Which is a better phrase, "keep far" or "stay away"?

Stay away is generally a better choice, as it is more commonly used and sounds more natural in most contexts. "Keep far" is less frequent and can sound slightly awkward.

Can "keep far" be used in formal writing?

While not grammatically incorrect, "keep far" is less suitable for formal writing. Alternatives such as "maintain distance" or "remain separate" would be more appropriate.