keep up — maintain the same pace
phrasal verbB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
To move or progress at the same speed as someone or something else, so you are not left behind.
Say it like a native
Textbook I found it difficult to maintain the same pace as the others.
Native I couldn't keep up with the others.
'Keep up (with)' is the natural verb for not falling behind. 'Maintain the same pace as' is wordy.
Pattern: keep up (with someone/something)
In use
- It's hard to keep up with my brother when he's running.daily life
- In my job, I have to keep up with all the new technology, which can be quite challenging.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ I can't keep up the class.
✓ I can't keep up with the class.
'Keep up WITH someone/something' — don't drop 'with'.
Common collocations
keep up with— with the group, with the pace, with you, with demand
Don't confuse it
Not the same as 'catch up', which means to reach the same level after being behind.
Related
- keep up (stay informed) — Another meaning of 'keep up' is 'stay informed'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.