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Grammar fix

keep out

prevent entry

to stop someone or something from entering a place or area.

phrasal verbB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • The sign on the gate says 'Keep Out' to stop people from entering the construction site.daily life
  • In my hometown, there are some private beaches where fences are used to keep out people who don't live in the area.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: keep out (of something) | keep someone/something out (of something)

WrongThis fence keeps out the animals from the garden.

RightThis fence keeps the animals out of the garden.

With an object, it splits: 'keep something out of a place'.

Patternkeep out (of something) | keep someone/something out (of something)

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff Unauthorised persons are prohibited from entering.

Natural Keep out — staff only.

'Keep out' is the standard sign; the long version is officialese.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • keep out (of)
    ofintrudersthe coldtrouble

Don't confuse it

'Keep out' is about stopping others from entering; 'stay out' is about not entering yourself.

Try it in Daily Speak →