To move or progress at the same speed as someone or something else, so you are not left behind.
It's hard to keep up with my brother when he's running.
A: You're walking so fast! B: Sorry, can you keep up? A: I'll try, but slow down a bit.
In my job, I have to keep up with all the new technology, which can be quite challenging.
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'.
Tell it apart
I can't keep up with you — slow down!
match the pace
Keep up the good work!
maintain the standard
Use 'keep up with' when talking about matching speed, progress, or ability with others.Not the same as 'catch up', which means to reach the same level after being behind.
To continue to know about the latest news, information, or changes in a subject or activity.
I try to keep up with the latest news every morning.
A: Do you keep up with what's happening in the world? B: Not really, I don't have much time to read the news.
It's important for students to keep up with current events, especially if they want to study abroad.
Common mistake
✗It's hard to keep up the latest trends.
✓It's hard to keep up with the latest trends.
This sense needs 'with' — 'keep up WITH' developments.
Tell it apart
I keep up with the news.
stay informed
Keep up the good work.
maintain a standard
Use 'keep up with' when talking about staying updated or informed about news, trends, or developments.Different from 'catch up on', which means to learn information you missed earlier.
To continue to meet a required level of quality, performance, or behaviour, especially when it is difficult to do so.
It's becoming increasingly difficult for small businesses to keep up the high standards their customers expect.
A: How's the new job going? B: It's challenging. I'm not sure I can keep up the level of performance they want from me.
In order to remain competitive, companies must constantly innovate and keep up high standards across all departments.
Common mistake
✗Keep up with the good work!
✓Keep up the good work!
This 'maintain a standard' sense takes a direct object — 'keep up the good work' (no 'with'). 'With' is for matching a pace.
Tell it apart
Keep up the good work.
maintain the standard
Keep up with the news.
stay informed
'Keep up' in this sense is used to talk about maintaining standards, quality, or performance, often when there is pressure or difficulty. It is common in both professional and academic contexts.This sense is different from the B1 meaning ('maintain the same pace'), as it refers to sustaining a certain level of quality or standards, not just speed or movement. It is also distinct from the B2 sense ('stay informed'), which focuses on knowledge rather than performance or quality.