Meaning trap
keep off
avoid touching or stepping on
to not walk on, touch, or go onto something, usually because it is not allowed or could be damaged.
phrasal verbB1common
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
avoid touching or stepping on
to not walk on, touch, or go onto something, usually because it is not allowed or could be damaged.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- Please keep off the grass so it can grow properly.daily life
- In my city, there are many parks with signs asking people to keep off certain areas to protect the plants.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: keep off + noun
WrongKeep off from the grass.
RightKeep off the grass.
'Keep off' + the surface directly — no 'from'.
Patternkeep off + noun
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Keep off' is the standard sign wording; the long version is officialese.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
keep off + surfacethe grassthe roadthe rocksplease
Don't confuse it
Not the same as 'keep away,' which means to stay at a distance, not just avoid touching.