keep your distance

USAGE SUMMARY

'keep your distance' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a physical and/or emotional distance between two people or groups. For example, "It's important to keep your distance from others when you are in a public place to help limit the spread of disease."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Keep your distance!" Rice said.

The New Yorker

It doesn't want you to keep your distance.

The New York Times - Arts

"Then why don't you just keep your distance".

The New Yorker

* Keep your distance; lion's mane tentacles can reach 10 feet.

The New York Times

"How do you keep your distance from a story?

Independent

It is an easy place both to keep your distance and to lose sight of others.

The New York Times

I know you have nothing to do with them but I suggest you keep your distance".

The Guardian

You have to keep your distance as much as possible to facilitate that.

The New York Times

Unless you have an overabundance of time and patience, keep your distance.

Forbes

2. Always keep your distance.

Huffington Post

He says, "Hey, man, keep your distance".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving advice or instructions, use "keep your distance" to emphasize the importance of avoiding potential harm or conflict. For example, "When encountering wild animals, always "keep your distance" for your safety."

Common error

While "keep your distance" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overuse in formal or academic writing. More sophisticated vocabulary might be preferred for conveying a similar meaning. For example, instead of saying "The study aimed to "keep your distance" from subjective interpretations", a better alternative would be "The study aimed to minimize subjective interpretations".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep your distance" primarily functions as an imperative, often used to advise or instruct someone to maintain physical or emotional separation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and usable in written English. This imperative use is evident in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

37%

News & Media

34%

Science

29%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep your distance" is a versatile phrase predominantly used as an imperative to advise maintaining physical or emotional separation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. Analysis of usage patterns reveals frequent occurrence in Wiki and News & Media sources, and its neutral register allows application in diverse scenarios. Whether it involves wild animals, infectious diseases, or complex relationships, mastering the usage of "keep your distance" enables effective communication of caution and safety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distance oneself

Highlights the action of creating a gap between oneself and something or someone.

keep at arm's length

Uses a physical metaphor to describe maintaining emotional or social distance.

maintain separation

Focuses on the act of keeping things or people apart, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the separation.

give a wide berth

Suggests providing ample space around someone or something, often due to perceived danger or unpleasantness.

avoid contact

Highlights the action of preventing physical or communicative interaction.

steer clear of

Suggests deliberately avoiding someone or something that could be problematic or unpleasant.

remain aloof

Emphasizes a detached and emotionally distant stance.

disengage from

Emphasizes withdrawing from involvement or interaction.

create space

Focuses on generating physical or emotional room between individuals.

establish boundaries

Implies setting limits to define acceptable interactions and prevent overreach.

FAQs

How can I use "keep your distance" in a sentence?

You can use "keep your distance" to advise someone to stay physically or emotionally separate from a person, place, or thing. For example, "It's best to "keep your distance" from negative influences." or "During flu season, "keep your distance" from those who are ill."

What does it mean to "keep your distance" from someone?

To "keep your distance" from someone means to avoid being too close to them, either physically or emotionally. It suggests maintaining a degree of separation to protect yourself or avoid conflict. You could also "distance oneself".

Which is correct, "keep your distance" or "maintain your distance"?

Both "keep your distance" and "maintain your distance" are correct and convey a similar meaning. "Maintain your distance" might sound slightly more formal than "keep your distance". You can use "maintain separation" as well.

What are some situations where I might be advised to "keep your distance"?

You might be advised to "keep your distance" in situations involving potentially dangerous animals, infectious diseases, or toxic relationships. In each case, the goal is to protect yourself from harm. For instance: "When encountering wild bears, "keep your distance". Moreover, when dealing with a negative person, it is always better to "steer clear of"."