keep them outside

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep them outside" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when instructing someone to ensure that certain individuals or items remain outdoors rather than being brought inside. Example: "During the party, please keep them outside to avoid any mess in the living room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

If you want to keep them outside, get a Portaloo.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Reporters frequently joke that perhaps the mayor's office is intentionally leaving the completion of their office until last, to keep them outside and farther away from the beating heart of the administration.

The New York Times

"They are the two best horses in the race, and I wanted to keep them outside, where they have to hustle a little early or worry about getting slung wide around the turn," Lukas said.

The New York Times - Sports

Notice them early, keep them outside and save lives, that's what the Israelis told us.... Everyone's eyes and ears are important.

Los Angeles Times

"We'll just have to keep them outside.

The New Yorker

"I keep them outside of all this.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

She said, "We had pets we liked also, but kept them outside or in the corner of the kitchen when very cold".

The New York Times

We kept them outside.

The New York Times

The Packers improved to 7-6, which keeps them outside playoff position but in the hunt.

The Washington Post

However, the complexity of most design approaches produced by research (e.g. computer-model-based) keeps them outside the core of this process.

Environmental Modelling & Software

Clients who step into the van also step past barriers that have often kept them outside the health care system.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone, be specific about what "them" refers to. Clearly identify the individuals or objects you want to "keep outside" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "keep them outside" without context. Ensure the listener or reader understands what "them" refers to, or clarify the subject to maintain clear communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep them outside" primarily functions as a directive or instruction. Based on Ludwig AI, it is used to advise or command someone to maintain something or someone in an external location. It aims to prevent entry or inclusion.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

25%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep them outside" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions primarily as a directive, instructing someone to maintain individuals or items in an external location. While "keep them outside" appears most frequently in news and media contexts, its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for various situations. Alternative phrases such as "leave them outdoors" or "exclude them" can be used depending on the specific context and desired level of formality. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding what "them" refers to in order to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leave them outdoors

Focuses specifically on the physical location outside.

exclude them

Emphasizes the act of preventing entry or inclusion.

maintain their exclusion

Highlights the continuation of the state of being excluded.

prevent their entry

Focuses on blocking access to a particular place.

hold them back

Implies restraint or opposition to movement inward.

keep them at bay

Suggests fending off something undesirable.

deter their approach

Highlights discouraging someone or something from getting closer.

block their access

Focuses on preventing access to a specific location or resource.

ensure their separation

Stresses the importance of maintaining distance.

confine them externally

Emphasizes physical restriction to an external area.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep them outside" to instruct someone to ensure individuals or items remain outdoors. For example: "During the party, please "keep them outside" to avoid any mess in the living room."

What is a more formal way to say "keep them outside"?

In a more formal context, you might use phrases like "maintain their exclusion" or "prevent their entry". These alternatives are more appropriate for professional or academic settings.

What does it mean to "keep someone outside" something?

To "keep someone outside" means to prevent them from being involved, included, or having access to something. It implies a deliberate act of exclusion.

What can I say instead of "keep them outside"?

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