keep them away

USAGE SUMMARY

"keep them away" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used as a command or a suggestion to separate two or more people or things, either physically or figuratively. For example, "We need to keep the two groups of protesters away from each other to avoid a confrontation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Just keep them away from potatoes.

The Washington Post

"I'd pay someone to keep them away".

The New York Times - Tech

"Reality stars, you can't keep them away," Mr. Spencer said.

The New York Times

So we build walls to keep them away.

The New York Times - Arts

We keep them away as best as we can.

The New York Times

"They had barbed wire set up to keep them away.

The New York Times

I can't keep them away from a show.

The New York Times - Magazine

"There was no other way to keep them away".

The New York Times

"Our aim is to keep them away from the fence".

The New York Times

Some people can't work unless they eliminate all the distractions that keep them away from focusing.

Stanford University

"We had to fire a shotgun at them to keep them away," he said.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep them away" in writing, ensure the context clearly specifies who or what is being kept away, and from what. Clarity is key to effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "keep them away" without specifying who "them" refers to. Always provide context to prevent ambiguity and ensure your message is clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep them away" functions primarily as a directive, often used to instruct or advise on maintaining distance between individuals, objects, or concepts. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples range from preventing physical contact to avoiding abstract influences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

32%

News & Media

31%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep them away" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase widely used to instruct or advise on maintaining distance for various reasons, spanning from safety to conflict prevention. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly found in neutral contexts such as news and general writing, making it an effective choice for clear communication. To avoid ambiguity, always specify who or what "them" refers to. Alternatives like "prevent their approach" or "ward them off" can add nuance or formality depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep them at bay

Similar meaning, but suggests a temporary or ongoing effort to maintain distance.

block their access

Highlights preventing someone or something from gaining entry or use.

ward them off

Implies actively repelling or deflecting something unwanted.

avoid their contact

Directly focuses on preventing physical or other interaction.

prevent their approach

Formal alternative, emphasizing the act of stopping someone or something from getting closer.

hold them back

Suggests restraining or preventing progress.

deter their presence

Focuses on discouraging someone or something from being in a specific place.

exclude them

Focuses on the act of preventing inclusion or participation.

shield against them

Implies providing protection against a threat or negative influence.

isolate them

Emphasizes creating separation from others.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "keep them away" for a formal tone?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "prevent their approach" or "deter their presence" for a more sophisticated tone.

What's a simple way to use "keep them away" in a sentence?

A simple usage: "We need to "keep them away" from the construction site for safety reasons."

How does "keep them away" differ from "keep them at bay"?

"Keep them away" implies a general separation, while "keep them at bay" suggests a more active and ongoing effort to maintain distance against a potential threat.

When is it best to use "ward them off" instead of "keep them away"?

Use "ward them off" when you want to emphasize actively repelling something unwanted, such as pests or negative influences, whereas ""keep them away"" is a more general term for maintaining distance.