keep them apart

USAGE SUMMARY

"keep them apart" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It means to keep two or more things or people separated or at a distance from each other. This phrase can be used in various contexts, such as for physical separation, emotional distance, or to avoid conflict. Example: After their argument, the couple decided that it would be best to keep them apart for a while to cool down.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One of Savile's tactics for keeping his friends in the dark about his private life was to keep them apart.

BBC

Wireless Chargers and Stanford ID Cards: Keep Them Apart!

Stanford University

We must keep them apart for the sake of humanity.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"It's impossible to keep them apart," he said.

The New York Times

For now, we just need to keep them apart".

The New York Times

Learn more about Wireless Chargers and Stanford ID Cards: Keep Them Apart!

Stanford University

Near happiness is extinguished in this woman as she realizes thatBoyce's responsibilities may keep them apart.

The New Yorker

Matt Damon is a congressman, Emily Blunt is a ballerina, "mysterious forces" keep them apart.

The New York Times

Lucy and her boyfriend, Romain George, tearfully discuss how college will keep them apart.

The New York Times

Not a breath!It was 1967, there were no seat beltsto keep them apart.

The New Yorker

Just keep them apart and pray to the great god, tolerance.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep them apart", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what 'them' refers to, as ambiguity can easily arise.

Common error

Avoid using "keep them apart" without clearly establishing the referents. For instance, instead of saying "We need to keep them apart", specify, "We need to keep the dogs and cats apart" to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep them apart" primarily functions as a phrasal verb indicating the action of maintaining distance or separation between two or more entities. Ludwig provides examples of this usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keep them apart" is a grammatically correct and very common phrasal verb used to describe maintaining a separation between entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used and understood. Its usage spans from news and media to academic contexts, indicating a neutral register. When using "keep them apart", ensure clarity regarding who or what "them" refers to. Consider alternatives like "maintain separation" or "separate them" based on the desired tone and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep separate

A more concise version, highlighting the act of maintaining distinctness.

maintain separation

Emphasizes actively upholding a state of being separate.

prevent mingling

Specifically addresses preventing interaction or combination.

hold at a distance

Suggests a controlled separation, implying an effort to prevent closeness.

discourage contact

Highlights an active effort to minimize or eliminate interaction.

keep at bay

Suggests preventing something from approaching or affecting something else.

ensure segregation

Focuses on guaranteeing a separation, often with implications of systematic division.

enforce division

Implies a mandated or regulated separation.

isolate them

Implies a deliberate act of separating from a larger group, potentially for negative reasons.

establish a barrier

Focuses on creating a physical or metaphorical obstacle to maintain separation.

FAQs

How can I use "keep them apart" in a sentence?

You can use "keep them apart" to describe the act of maintaining distance or separation between two or more entities. For instance, "The referee had to "keep them apart" during the fight".

What does "keep them apart" mean?

"Keep them apart" means to maintain a separation or distance between two or more things or people, often to avoid conflict or unwanted interaction.

Which is a better phrase, "keep them apart" or "separate them"?

Both "keep them apart" and "separate them" are correct, but "separate them" may sound more formal. The choice depends on the context and desired tone.

What are some synonyms for "keep them apart"?

Synonyms for "keep them apart" include "maintain separation", "ensure segregation", or simply "keep separate".