Understanding the Phrasal Verb: How to Keep up with Its Meanings and Usage
Mastering English phrasal verbs is often a hurdle for learners, yet it's crucial for sounding natural and understanding everyday English. Among these, the phrasal verb "Keep up with" stands out due to its frequent use and multiple meanings. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by news, struggled to match a friend's pace, or aimed to stay on top of your tasks, you've encountered situations where "Keep up with" is the perfect phrase. This article aims to demystify "Keep up with". We will delve into its primary definitions, examine its grammatical structures with clear examples, explore useful synonyms, and offer practice questions to solidify your understanding. Get ready to confidently use "Keep up with" in your conversations!
Table of Contents
- What Does "Keep up with" Mean?
- Structure with "Keep up with"
- Related Phrases and Synonyms
- Practice Time!
- Conclusion
What Does "Keep up with" Mean?
The phrasal verb "Keep up with" is a highly versatile and common expression in the English language, integral to both casual conversation and more formal communication. At its core, it conveys the idea of maintaining a certain standard, level, or pace in relation to something or someone else. This 'something' can be physical speed, the flow of information, progress in work or studies, or even the maintenance of responsibilities. For instance, you might hear someone talk about the challenge to "keep up with technological advancements" or the effort to "keep up with a fast-talking friend." Its ubiquity means that a solid understanding of "Keep up with" is essential for effective communication, helping you navigate various social and professional contexts with greater ease.
More: Understanding the Phrasal Verb 'Keep To': Usage and Meaning
Structure with "Keep up with"
The phrasal verb "Keep up with" is polysemous, meaning it has multiple meanings. Understanding these different senses and how they are structured in a sentence is key to using this phrasal verb correctly. Let's explore its main uses and learn how to keep up with its versatile applications.
Meaning 1: To stay at the same physical or metaphorical pace as someone or something.
This is perhaps the most literal meaning. It refers to the effort of not falling behind, whether physically (like in a race or while walking) or metaphorically (like in a project or class). The core idea is matching speed or progress. A common challenge learners face is confusing "keep up with" and "catch up with." "Keep up with" implies maintaining the same level, while "catch up with" means reaching someone or something that is ahead.
- Structure: Subject + keep up with + noun/pronoun (the person, group, or entity setting the pace)
- Example 1: "The older students walked so quickly that the younger ones struggled to keep up with them."
- Example 2: "The project advanced rapidly, and new team members found it challenging to keep up with the established workflow."
Meaning 2: To stay informed or updated about something.
This meaning is particularly relevant in our information-rich world. It involves making an active effort to know the latest news, developments, or details about a specific topic, situation, or even a person's life. It's about not letting your knowledge become outdated. Using "Keep up with" here implies ongoing attention. Many people find it essential to keep up with current affairs.
- Structure: Subject + keep up with + noun (e.g., the news, technology, trends, a friend's activities)
- Example 1: "It’s a full-time job just to keep up with all the new shows on streaming services."
- Example 2: "As a journalist, she must keep up with political developments around the world."
Meaning 3: To continue to do, pay, or manage something, especially tasks or responsibilities.
This usage relates to fulfilling ongoing obligations or managing a workload effectively, preventing a backlog or falling behind. It implies diligence and consistency. If you keep up with your work, you are completing it as it arises rather than letting it accumulate.
- Structure: Subject + keep up with + noun (e.g., payments, correspondence, chores, workload)
- Example 1: "If you don't keep up with your car maintenance, you might face expensive repairs later."
- Example 2: "She was so busy that she found it difficult to keep up with answering all her emails."
Meaning 4: To maintain a relationship or communication with someone.
While related to staying informed (Meaning 2), this usage specifically focuses on the social aspect of maintaining contact and knowing what's happening in someone's life. It's about preserving a connection.
- Structure: Subject + keep up with + noun/pronoun (person or people)
- Example 1: "Even though they live in different countries, they use video calls to keep up with each other."
- Example 2: "It's hard to keep up with old friends when everyone is so busy."
More: Mastering 'Keep On': Meaning, Usage, and Practice
Related Phrases and Synonyms
Expanding your vocabulary with synonyms for the phrasal verb we are discussing allows for more nuanced expression. Depending on which meaning you intend, different synonyms will be more appropriate. Here’s a table of useful alternatives:
| Synonym | Meaning Context (Relates to which meaning of the phrasal verb) | Explanation | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stay abreast of | Staying informed (Meaning 2) | To ensure you know all the most recent facts or developments about a particular subject or situation. | "Doctors need to stay abreast of the latest medical breakthroughs." |
| Keep pace with | Matching speed/progress (Meaning 1) | To move, develop, or change at the same rate as someone or something else. | "Technology evolves so fast; it's a challenge for businesses to keep pace with it." |
| Maintain | Continuing responsibilities/status (Meaning 3, also general) | To continue to have something; to keep something at the same level, rate, or in the same condition. | "It's important to maintain regular contact with clients." |
| Follow | Understanding/staying informed (Meaning 2) | To understand the meaning or course of something, like a story, argument, or series of events. | "The instructions were complex, but I managed to follow them." |
| Manage | Handling tasks/responsibilities (Meaning 3) | To succeed in doing or dealing with something, especially if it is difficult or requires effort. | "She somehow manages to handle all her commitments despite her busy schedule." |
| Stay current with | Staying informed (Meaning 2) | To remain up-to-date with the latest information or changes in a particular field or area. | "Financial advisors must stay current with market trends." |
| Keep track of | Staying informed/managing (Meaning 2 & 3) | To pay attention to what is happening to something or someone; to monitor. | "It's hard to keep track of all my appointments without a calendar." |
More: Keep At: Mastering the Phrasal Verb - Meanings and Usage
Practice Time!
Ready to check your understanding of the phrasal verb discussed? These questions will help you see how well you've grasped its uses. Select the best answer for each.
Question 1: "The company is investing in new technology to ______ its competitors." a) keep up b) keep with c) keep up with d) keep on with
Correct answer: c
Question 2: Which sentence best illustrates the meaning of "keeping up with news"? a) He ran fast to keep up with the other athletes. b) She reads online journals to keep up with developments in her field. c) They struggled to keep up with their rent payments. d) I try to keep up with old friends from college.
Correct answer: b
Question 3: "Despite her illness, Maria tried her best to ______ her studies so she wouldn't fall behind." a) keep up with b) keep from c) keep out of d) keep on
Correct answer: a
Question 4: "It's nice to use social media to ______ what distant relatives are doing." a) keep up from b) keep up with c) keep with up d) kept up with
Correct answer: b
Question 5: If you "keep up with payments," you are: a) Increasing the payment amount. b) Paying them on time and not falling behind. c) Learning about different payment methods. d) Matching the speed of payment processing.
Correct answer: b
Conclusion
Phrasal verbs like the one we've explored today are essential building blocks for fluent and natural English communication. By understanding its diverse meanings – from matching pace and staying informed to managing responsibilities and maintaining relationships – and by becoming familiar with its common sentence structures, you significantly enhance your ability to comprehend and use English effectively. Remember, the journey to mastering English phrasal verbs is ongoing. Consistent exposure, active listening, and regular practice are your best tools. So, continue to explore, learn, and don't be afraid to use these expressions in your daily interactions. This effort will surely pay off, helping you keep up with the nuances of the English language!