keep them off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep them off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when instructing someone to prevent something or someone from being in a particular place or situation. Example: "To maintain a safe environment, please keep them off the premises during the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I try to keep them off balance.

The New York Times

You want to keep them off balance".

The New York Times - Sports

I just tried to keep them off balance".

The New York Times - Sports

"But the rule back then was that I could keep them off my property," Hatley said.

The New Yorker

"I'm just trying to be aggressive with all my pitches and keep them off balance".

The New York Times - Sports

Calmed, he was able to keep them off for the rest of the day.

The New York Times

Hoping to keep them off, the city says it will appeal Judge Sprizzo's ruling.

The New York Times

As Mr. Winter said, "Every once in a while it's good to jolt the audience, keep them off balance".

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

I was able to keep them off-balance.

Los Angeles Times

"I mixed in the off-speed and was able to keep them off-balance," Weaver said.

Los Angeles Times

"Jordan was pitching great, but we were just trying to keep them off-balance," Tyson Howard said.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep them off" to advise preventing access (physical or virtual), ensure the context is clear. For example, specify "Keep them off the network" or "Keep them off the property".

Common error

Avoid ambiguity regarding what is being prevented. Instead of a vague "Keep them off", specify what they should be kept off of, such as "Keep them off the streets" or "Keep them off social media."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "keep them off" is as a phrasal verb, serving as a directive to prevent someone or something from accessing or being in a particular place or state. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep them off" functions as a phrasal verb used to instruct the prevention of access or presence. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is widely used across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media, Wiki, and Formal & Business settings. While the phrase itself is neutral in register, context is key in its appropriate application. Common errors include failing to specify what is being kept off, leading to ambiguity. Related phrases offer alternative ways to express similar preventative actions, such as "prevent their access" or "exclude them from". Understanding these nuances allows for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exclude them from

Focuses on formally barring or omitting someone or something.

prevent their access

Emphasizes the act of blocking entry or accessibility.

secure against their access

Implies making something safe from unwanted entry

deter them from

Focuses on discouraging or preventing an action or state, rather than physical access.

hold them back

Emphasizes restraining or impeding progress or movement.

restrict their presence

Highlights limiting someone's or something's physical existence in a place.

defend against them

Focuses on actively protecting from attack or intrusion.

block their advance

Implies stopping forward movement or progress.

ward them away

Suggests actively repelling or deflecting something.

shield against them

Implies protection or defense against an outside force.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep them off" to instruct someone to prevent something or someone from being in a particular place or situation. For example: "To maintain a safe environment, please "keep them off" the premises during the event."

What are some alternatives to "keep them off"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "prevent their access", "exclude them from", or "deter them from".

Is it better to say "keep them off" or "keep them away"?

Both phrases are correct, but ""keep them off"" often implies preventing access to a specific place or resource, while "keep them away" suggests maintaining a distance generally. The best choice depends on the specific context.

Which is the correct phrasing: "keep them off" or "keep off them"?

"Keep them off" is the correct and idiomatic phrasing. "Keep off them" is grammatically awkward and not commonly used.