Meaning trap
keep up
maintain the same pace
To move or progress at the same speed as someone or something else, so you are not left behind.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
To move or progress at the same speed as someone or something else, so you are not left behind.
Another meaning of 'keep up' is 'stay informed'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- 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
Fix the pattern
Pattern: keep up (with someone/something)
WrongI can't keep up the class.
RightI can't keep up with the class.
'Keep up WITH someone/something' — don't drop 'with'.
Patternkeep up (with someone/something)
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Keep up (with)' is the natural verb for not falling behind. 'Maintain the same pace as' is wordy.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
keep up withwith the groupwith the pacewith youwith 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.