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Learn more English in a Minute
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Introduction
We wouldn't want to keep these phrases from you. There are a few phrases in English with the word ‘keep'. Learn some of them here with Phil and then practise using the quiz.
Phrases with 'keep'
keep up with
be fast enough to stay with someone
- This class is too hard. I just can't keep up with the teacher.
keep at
continue doing something difficult
- Improving pronunciation is hard, but I'm going to keep at it.
keep (something) back
save something for later
- Remember not to spend all your money on the first day. Keep some back for the rest of the trip.
keep something from (someone)
don't tell someone
- I can see in your eyes that you're keeping something from me.
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Download a free transcript!
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TRANSCRIPT
Note: This is not a word-for-word transcript.
Phil
You ready? We've only got a minute, so you'll need to keep up. We're going to learn four phrases with 'keep'.
And let's start with keep up – it means to go fast enough to stay with someone, whether that's driving as fast as their car or learning new things at the same speed.
She runs too fast. I'll never keep up!
Sometimes it's not speed you need, but stamina. If you keep at something, you don't stop, even when it's difficult!
Learning drums is hard, but I'm going to keep at it.
If you keep something back, you save it – you don't use it up. It could be money, energy or even some ingredients for food that you're making.
Keep back some of the herbs and sprinkle them over at the end.
If you keepsomethingfrom someone, it means that you don't tell them. You keep it a secret. Shh!
You're not telling me what's going on. Are you keepingsomething from me?
Make sure you keep up – learn these phrases now!
Next
Learn more idiomatic language in The English We Speak.
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