kiːp ɒf
neutral
beginner
- Base verb:
- keep
- Particle:
- off
- Separable:
- Yes
What does "keep off" mean?
- To not walk on or touch something
- To avoid a particular food, drink, or subject
- To prevent something from affecting you
Examples
- Keep off the grass!
- I'm trying to keep off sugar for a month.
- Let's keep off the topic of politics at dinner.
- This umbrella will keep the rain off.
- You need to keep off that injured leg for a few days.
How to use it
'Keep off the grass' is a standard sign in parks. 'Keep off' a topic means to avoid discussing it. Common in health contexts for avoiding harmful substances.
Word order
For avoiding surfaces: intransitive ('keep off the grass'). For avoiding topics/substances: intransitive. For protection: separable ('keep the rain off').
Similar expressions
avoid
abstain
stay away
protect from
Opposites
walk on
consume
discuss
Related phrasal verbs
- keep up
To continue doing something at the same rate or level
- keep on
To continue doing something
- keep out
To prevent someone or something from entering
- keep away
To not go near someone or something
- keep up with
To stay at the same level or pace as someone or something
- keep back
To stay at a distance; to not come closer
Use it in a practice answer
Try "keep off" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.