Is 'keep to' separable?

No, it is an inseparable phrasal verb. The object always comes after 'to'. (Correct: 'keep to the rules'. Incorrect: 'keep the rules to').

What's the difference between 'keep to' and 'stick to'?

They are largely synonymous. 'Stick to' is often more informal and can imply more tenacity or stubbornness. 'Keep to' can sound slightly more formal or neutral, especially in written English.

Can 'keep to' be used without an object?

Rarely. It is a transitive phrasal verb and almost always requires an object stating what is being adhered to (e.g., a path, rule, topic).

Does 'keep to yourself' mean the same as 'keep to'?

Not exactly. 'Keep to yourself' is an idiomatic fixed phrase meaning 'to be solitary or private'. The core structure is 'keep' + 'to yourself', not the phrasal verb 'keep to' with 'yourself' as its object.

keep to

UK/kiːp tə/US/kip tə/

Neutral (Used in both formal and informal contexts)

My Flashcards

Definition

Meaning

To limit oneself to a specified subject, plan, or area; to stay within set boundaries.

1. To adhere strictly to (a rule, promise, schedule). 2. To restrict conversation/action to a particular topic. 3. To remain on or in a particular physical path or location. 4. To cause someone/something to adhere to a rule or boundary.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

A phrasal verb with a particle (to) that is always followed by an object (transitive, inseparable). The object is the boundary, rule, subject, or path being adhered to. Often implies a conscious choice or effort to maintain limitations.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Minimal. Both varieties use it with the same core meanings. Slight preference for 'stick to' in some informal American contexts.

Connotations

Neutral to slightly formal. Can imply discipline, focus, or restriction depending on context.

Frequency

Slightly more frequent in British English, but common in both.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

keep to the schedulekeep to the pointkeep to the ruleskeep to the leftkeep to the pathkeep to a budget

medium

keep to the agreementkeep to the subjectkeep to the main roadkeep to the factskeep to the deadline

weak

keep to the plankeep to the traditionkeep to the dietkeep to the sidekeep to the minimum

Grammar

Valency Patterns

VERB + PARTICLE (to) + NP (Noun Phrase) [He kept to the path.]VERB + PARTICLE (to) + PRONOUN [We must keep to it.]

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

observe strictlyconform tohold toremain faithful to

Neutral

adhere tostick tofollowabide bycomply with

Weak

go along withstay withnot stray from

Vocabulary

Antonyms

stray fromdeviate fromdepart frombreakignoreabandon

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“Keep yourself to yourself (be private/reserved)”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

"We need to keep to the agreed timeline to satisfy the client."

Academic

"The researcher kept strictly to the methodological framework outlined in the proposal."

Everyday

"Let's try to keep to the footpath, it's safer."

Technical

"The vehicle's autonomous system is programmed to keep to its designated lane."

Examples

By Part of Speech

verb

British English

Please keep to the left of the corridor.
The discussion didn't keep to the agenda.
He's good at keeping to a budget.

American English

Keep to the right on the highway.
Let's keep to the main points of the contract.
It's hard to keep to a diet during the holidays.

adverb

British English

American English

adjective

British English

American English

Examples

By CEFR Level

In Britain, drivers keep to the left.
Keep to the path in the park.

Please keep to the subject during the meeting.
We must keep to our budget this month.

The speaker kept admirably to his allotted time.
Despite the controversy, the article kept strictly to the verified facts.

The negotiators urged all parties to keep to the terms of the ceasefire.
Her memoir keeps scrupulously to her own experiences, avoiding speculation about others.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Imagine a road (TO). You KEEP your car on it. You KEEP TO the road. Don't stray off.

Conceptual Metaphor

CONSTRAINT IS A PHYSICAL PATH/BOUNDARY. (We metaphorically see rules, topics, and plans as lines or borders we must stay within.)

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

Не переводить дословно как "хранить к".
Не путать с "keep up with" (успевать за) или "keep on" (продолжать делать).
В значении "придерживаться темы" - это "keep to the point", а не "hold the point".

Common Mistakes

*Keep to the promise (less common, prefer 'keep' alone or 'stick to').
*Keep on to the path (redundant particle).
Confusing 'keep to' (adhere) with 'keep from' (prevent).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

During the debate, it was difficult for the candidates to the moderator's questions.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence uses 'keep to' CORRECTLY?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No, it is an inseparable phrasal verb. The object always comes after 'to'. (Correct: 'keep to the rules'. Incorrect: 'keep the rules to').
: They are largely synonymous. 'Stick to' is often more informal and can imply more tenacity or stubbornness. 'Keep to' can sound slightly more formal or neutral, especially in written English.
: Rarely. It is a transitive phrasal verb and almost always requires an object stating what is being adhered to (e.g., a path, rule, topic).
: Not exactly. 'Keep to yourself' is an idiomatic fixed phrase meaning 'to be solitary or private'. The core structure is 'keep' + 'to yourself', not the phrasal verb 'keep to' with 'yourself' as its object.