En 15 secondes
- A direct command to stay away from a specific area.
- Used for safety, privacy, or protecting property.
- Commonly seen on signs or used in personal boundaries.
Signification
This phrase is used to tell people they are not allowed to enter a specific room, building, or area. It is a clear way to say 'stay away' or 'don't come inside' for safety or privacy.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Protecting a workspace
I put a sign on the door to keep out the kids while I work.
I put a sign on the door to keep out the kids while I work.
Safety at a construction site
The sign says 'Danger: Keep Out' because of the falling debris.
The sign says 'Danger: Keep Out' because of the falling debris.
Texting a roommate
Hey, please keep out of my fridge shelf this week!
Hey, please keep out of my fridge shelf this week!
Contexte culturel
In the US, 'Keep Out' signs are often associated with rural property and can sometimes imply a threat of legal action or even self-defense ('No Trespassing'). In the UK, 'Keep Out' is common, but you will also frequently see 'Private Property' or 'No Thoroughfare' in more traditional or upper-class areas. Direct 'Keep Out' signs are rare in residential areas as they are considered rude. Instead, physical barriers like small fences or symbolic gates are used. Germans value 'Ordnung' (order), so 'Keep Out' signs (Eintritt verboten) are taken very seriously and are expected to be followed strictly.
The 'Of' Rule
Always remember to add 'of' if you mention the place. 'Keep out' (stop) vs 'Keep out of the room' (location).
Don't be rude
Avoid saying 'Keep out' to people unless it's an emergency or a joke. It sounds very aggressive.
En 15 secondes
- A direct command to stay away from a specific area.
- Used for safety, privacy, or protecting property.
- Commonly seen on signs or used in personal boundaries.
What It Means
Keep out is a simple command. It tells you to stay on the outside of a boundary. You might see it on a sign or hear a friend say it. It means 'this space is private' or 'this space is dangerous.' It is direct and leaves no room for confusion. Think of it as an invisible wall you shouldn't cross.
How To Use It
You can use it as a command or a general rule. If you are talking to a person, you say, 'Please keep out of my room.' If you are writing a sign, you just write KEEP OUT in big letters. You can also use it for things, like keeping out the cold by closing a window. It is very flexible! Just remember it usually refers to physical space.
When To Use It
Use it when you need privacy. Maybe you are working on a secret project. Use it for safety. Construction sites always use this phrase. Use it when texting a sibling who keeps taking your clothes. It works well in any situation where a boundary is needed. It is common at home, at work, and in public spaces.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if you want to be very polite to a guest. Saying keep out to a boss might sound too aggressive. It can feel a bit rude if said with a mean tone. If you want to be softer, try 'Please do not enter.' Avoid using it for abstract things like feelings. You don't 'keep out' of a conversation; you 'stay out' of it.
Cultural Background
In many English-speaking cultures, private property is a big deal. The phrase keep out is the standard 'no trespassing' warning. It became very popular in the mid-20th century on metal signs. In movies, kids often put Keep Out signs on their bedroom doors or treehouses. It represents a person's 'castle' or private bubble. It is a classic part of the American 'Keep Out' sign aesthetic.
Common Variations
You will often see Keep Out! with an exclamation mark. Sometimes people say Keep off for grass or furniture. Stay out is a bit more emotional and personal. No Entry is the formal version used in airports or hospitals. If you want to be funny, you might see 'Keep out: Survivors will be shot.' Don't worry, that's usually a joke!
Notes d'usage
The phrase is neutral but can lean toward informal or aggressive depending on the speaker's tone. It is most commonly seen in written form on warning signs.
The 'Of' Rule
Always remember to add 'of' if you mention the place. 'Keep out' (stop) vs 'Keep out of the room' (location).
Don't be rude
Avoid saying 'Keep out' to people unless it's an emergency or a joke. It sounds very aggressive.
Environmental Use
Use 'keep out' when talking about light, noise, or heat. It makes you sound more like a native speaker than saying 'stop the noise'.
Exemples
6I put a sign on the door to keep out the kids while I work.
I put a sign on the door to keep out the kids while I work.
Used here to ensure privacy and focus.
The sign says 'Danger: Keep Out' because of the falling debris.
The sign says 'Danger: Keep Out' because of the falling debris.
A standard safety warning in a professional context.
Hey, please keep out of my fridge shelf this week!
Hey, please keep out of my fridge shelf this week!
Setting a boundary regarding personal items.
Keep out of the kitchen or you'll have to wash the dishes!
Keep out of the kitchen or you'll have to wash the dishes!
Using the command as a playful threat.
We need to seal the windows to keep out the winter chill.
We need to seal the windows to keep out the winter chill.
Used for keeping an element (cold) from entering.
Just leave me alone and keep out of my life!
Just leave me alone and keep out of my life!
A very strong, emotional way to tell someone to stay away.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words to complete the sentence.
The sign on the gate says 'Keep ______'.
'Keep out' is the standard phrase used on signs to prevent entry.
Choose the correct preposition.
You should keep out ______ the construction site.
We use 'keep out of' when followed by a specific location.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Which phrase fits a sign on a bedroom door?
'Keep out' is used for rooms and private spaces.
Complete the dialogue.
A: It's very noisy outside. B: Yes, we should close the windows to ______.
We use 'keep out' to prevent environmental factors like noise from entering.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Keep Out vs. Keep Off
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesThe sign on the gate says 'Keep ______'.
'Keep out' is the standard phrase used on signs to prevent entry.
You should keep out ______ the construction site.
We use 'keep out of' when followed by a specific location.
Which phrase fits a sign on a bedroom door?
'Keep out' is used for rooms and private spaces.
A: It's very noisy outside. B: Yes, we should close the windows to ______.
We use 'keep out' to prevent environmental factors like noise from entering.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsYes, they mean the same thing, but 'No entry' is more formal and usually found on official road or building signs.
No, that is a common mistake. You should say 'Keep out of'.
Both are correct! 'Keep the rain out' is slightly more common in casual conversation.
Yes, but it's very direct. 'Keep out of my business' means 'don't get involved in my private life'.
Usually, it's a rectangular sign with red or yellow colors and bold, capital letters.
Expressions liées
keep off
similarDo not walk on or touch a surface.
keep away
similarMaintain a safe distance from something.
stay out
synonymDo not enter a place.
lock out
builds onTo prevent someone from entering by locking the door.
