20+ Collocations and Phrasal Verbs with Keep (B2–C1 Guide)

Collocations and phrasal verbs with “keep” are essential if you want to speak and write English more naturally. The verb keep is one of the most useful and versatile verbs in English. It appears in everyday conversation, formal writing, idioms, and exam tasks — especially in B2 and C1 level papers.

If you want to sound more natural and confident, mastering expressions with keep is essential. In this lesson, we will look at:

• Common collocations with keep
• Frequently used phrasal verbs
• Natural example sentences
• Practical everyday expressions

Let’s get started.

Common Collocations with Keep

Keep a secret

Meaning: Not tell anyone confidential information.

Can you keep a secret? I need to tell you something important.

Keep a diary

Meaning: Write regularly about your daily life and experiences.

She has been keeping a diary since she was a teenager.

Keep a promise / Keep your word

Meaning: Do what you said you would do.

He kept his promise and helped us move house.

I’ll be there at six — I always keep my word.

Keep a shop / Keep a restaurant

Meaning: Run or manage a business (slightly old-fashioned, but still used).

Her grandparents used to keep a small grocery shop in the village.

Keep up the good work

Meaning: Continue performing well (used to praise and encourage).

Your progress is impressive. Keep up the good work!

Keep the prices low

Meaning: Maintain low prices.

The company tries to keep prices low to attract more customers.

Keep things formal

Meaning: Maintain a serious or professional tone.

They prefer to keep things formal during meetings.

Keep something clean / safe / tidy

Meaning: Maintain a particular condition.

We work hard to keep our home clean and organised.

The government must keep citizens safe.

Keep the volume / noise down

Meaning: Make something quieter.

Could you keep the noise down? The baby is sleeping.

Keep someone informed / updated

Meaning: Regularly give someone new information.

Please keep me informed about any changes.

Keep me updated on your progress.

Keep to the agenda

Meaning: Follow the planned schedule or topic.

If we keep to the agenda, the meeting won’t last long.

Keep from doing something

Meaning: Prevent yourself from doing something.

She could hardly keep from laughing.

Keep someone from doing something

Meaning: Prevent someone from doing something.

His parents tried to keep him from quitting university.

Keep someone awake

Meaning: Stop someone from sleeping.

Strong coffee keeps me awake at night.

Common Phrasal Verbs with Keep

Now let’s move on to phrasal verbs — these are especially important for exams like B2 First and C1 Advanced.

Keep up

1. Keep up with someone/something
   Meaning: Stay at the same level or speed.
   She studied hard to keep up with the rest of the class.
2. Keep something up
   Meaning: Continue doing something.
   Keep up the good work!

Keep on

Meaning: Continue doing something (often annoyingly or repeatedly).

He kept on talking even though nobody was listening.

She kept on working despite feeling tired.

Keep off

Meaning: Avoid stepping on or touching something.

Please keep off the grass.

Keep down

1. Make something quieter.
   Keep your voice down in the library.
2. Control or reduce something.
   The company is trying to keep costs down.

Keep away

Meaning: Stay at a distance; avoid contact.

Keep away from the edge — it’s dangerous.

She tried to keep away from unhealthy food.

Keep at

Meaning: Continue doing something despite difficulty.

Keep at it and you’ll eventually succeed.

Useful Everyday Expressions with Keep

Here are some natural sentences you may hear in daily English:

• Keep trying — you’ll get there.
• Keep driving — we’re almost there.
• Keep quiet — the patient is resting.
• Keep digging — you’re getting closer.
• Keep the change. (said when giving a tip)
• Keep in touch. (stay in contact)
• Keep an eye on it. (watch carefully)

Final Thoughts

The verb keep may look simple, but it plays a powerful role in English. It helps you:

• Maintain conditions (keep calm, keep safe)
• Continue actions (keep going, keep trying)
• Prevent actions (keep someone from doing something)
• Express persistence (keep at it)

If you want to sound fluent and natural, don’t just learn vocabulary in isolation. Learn it in chunks — collocations and phrasal verbs like these.

Related posts:

Collocations for Time Management

Verbs Followed by -ING

How to Write about Environmental Solutions

Collocations for C1 Advanced

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