keep them out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep them out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to preventing someone or something from entering a place or situation. Example: "To maintain privacy, we need to keep them out of our personal discussions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In America; Keep Them Out!

The New York Times

Archives|In America; Keep Them Out!

The New York Times

If they did, would the Israeli Army keep them out?

The New York Times

We have to keep them out," he said.

The Guardian

It makes no sense to keep them out".

The Guardian

Keep them out and we win the game".

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm trying to keep them out," he continued.

The New York Times

Will the developed world keep them out?

Forbes

Even the Germans couldn't keep them out!

BBC

"If in doubt keep them out," a staff member explains.

BBC

Keep them out other guests rooms.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep them out" in writing, ensure the context clearly defines who or what "them" refers to. This avoids ambiguity and ensures your message is easily understood.

Common error

While "keep them out" is widely understood, avoid using it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "exclude them" or "prevent their entry" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep them out" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, expressing the action of preventing entry or access. Ludwig examples show its usage in diverse scenarios, from physical barriers to abstract exclusions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keep them out" is a grammatically sound and very common phrasal verb used to express the act of preventing entry or access. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct usage and highlights its prevalent presence in News & Media and Wiki contexts. While versatile, it's crucial to consider formality, opting for alternatives like "exclude them" in professional or academic settings. The phrase's primary function is to assert control over boundaries and access, a concept consistently reflected across its various applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exclude them

Focuses on actively barring someone or something.

prevent their entry

Emphasizes stopping the act of entering.

block their access

Highlights restricting the ability to reach something.

deny them entrance

Formally refuses permission to enter.

turn them away

Suggests rejecting someone upon arrival.

repel them

Implies a forceful rejection or pushing back.

deter their approach

Focuses on discouraging someone from coming closer.

hold them back

Suggests physically or metaphorically restraining someone.

ward them off

Implies protecting against an unwanted presence.

secure the perimeter

Highlights the actions taken to ensure no one can enter.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep them out" to describe preventing someone or something from entering a place or situation. For example, "We need to keep them out of the restricted area", or "The goal is to keep them out of the competition".

What are some alternatives to "keep them out"?

You can use alternatives like "exclude them", "prevent their entry", or "block their access" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "keep them out"?

Yes, "keep them out" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrasal verb in English.

What's the difference between "keep them out" and "keep them away"?

While both phrases imply separation, "keep them out" usually refers to preventing entry into a specific place, while "keep them away" has a broader meaning of maintaining distance in general.