Em 15 segundos
- Stay away from a surface or area.
- Avoid a specific conversation topic.
- Commonly seen on signs for protection.
Significado
It means to stay away from something or avoid touching or walking on it. You often see it on signs to protect things like grass or private property.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6At a public park
Please keep off the newly planted grass.
Please keep off the newly planted grass.
Protecting a cake
Keep off the cake until the party starts!
Keep off the cake until the party starts!
In a tense meeting
Let's keep off the budget issues for now.
Let's keep off the budget issues for now.
Contexto cultural
The British 'Keep Off The Grass' sign is often seen as a symbol of 'Nanny State' culture or extreme politeness/order. It's a common trope in British comedy. In the US, 'Keep Off' is often associated with 'No Trespassing' signs. It carries a stronger connotation of legal property rights. In Japan, signs are often more suggestive than commanding. Instead of 'Keep Off,' a sign might say 'Let's protect the green together.' Due to 'Allemansrätten' (the right of public access), 'Keep Off' signs are rare in the countryside, as people have a right to walk almost anywhere.
The Surface Rule
If you can stand ON it, use 'keep off'. If you can walk INTO it, use 'keep out'.
No 'From'
Don't say 'keep off from'. It's a common mistake for learners. Just 'keep off [thing]'.
Em 15 segundos
- Stay away from a surface or area.
- Avoid a specific conversation topic.
- Commonly seen on signs for protection.
What It Means
Keep off is a simple way to say 'don't go there.' It is about physical distance. It usually means staying away from a specific surface. If you see a sign on a lawn, it means 'don't walk here.' It can also mean avoiding a specific topic in conversation. It is a protective phrase. It keeps things safe or keeps you out of trouble.
How To Use It
You use it as a command or a rule. You can say keep off the grass or keep off the furniture. It is a phrasal verb. You can put the object at the end. You can also say keep your hands off. This sounds a bit more aggressive. In a conversation, you might say let's keep off that subject. This means the topic is sensitive or annoying. It is very direct and easy to understand.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to protect something. Use it at a park or a museum. It is perfect for signs. Use it with kids who are touching things they shouldn't. You can use it at work to avoid a difficult topic. If a meeting is getting heated, suggest keeping off personal issues. It works well when you need to set a clear boundary quickly.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if you want to be very polite. It can sound like a cold command. If you are at a fancy dinner, don't tell someone to keep off the bread. Instead, say 'please help yourself to something else.' Don't use it for people you want to be close to. Saying keep off me sounds like you are angry or scared. It is for surfaces and topics, not for gentle social invitations.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking countries, the 'Keep Off The Grass' sign is a classic trope. It represents order and strict rules. In the UK and USA, people take their lawns very seriously. Stepping on a neighbor's perfect grass is a big social 'no-no.' It reflects a cultural respect for private property and public landscaping. It is the ultimate 'grumpy neighbor' phrase.
Common Variations
The most common variation is stay off. This is almost the same but feels a bit more temporary. Keep away is used for general distance, not just surfaces. Hands off is a very common version used for food or toys. If you want to be funny, you can say keep off the tracks. This implies someone is heading for a metaphorical train wreck.
Notas de uso
The phrase is most commonly found on signs. When used in speech, it is very direct, so use 'please' if you don't want to sound angry.
The Surface Rule
If you can stand ON it, use 'keep off'. If you can walk INTO it, use 'keep out'.
No 'From'
Don't say 'keep off from'. It's a common mistake for learners. Just 'keep off [thing]'.
Social Diplomacy
Use 'Let's keep off...' to politely stop a conversation from becoming an argument without blaming anyone.
Exemplos
6Please keep off the newly planted grass.
Please keep off the newly planted grass.
A standard polite request to protect nature.
Keep off the cake until the party starts!
Keep off the cake until the party starts!
Using the phrase for food items.
Let's keep off the budget issues for now.
Let's keep off the budget issues for now.
Using the phrase to avoid a sensitive topic.
Keep off my computer while I'm out!
Keep off my computer while I'm out!
A direct command to stay away from personal property.
Keep off the stage unless you want to sing!
Keep off the stage unless you want to sing!
Using a rule to make a joke.
I need you to keep off this subject; it's painful.
I need you to keep off this subject; it's painful.
Expressing emotional boundaries regarding a topic.
Teste-se
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'keep off'.
The doctor told him to _______ his injured foot for a week.
We use 'keep off' for medical advice regarding not putting weight on a limb.
Which sentence is correct?
A: Keep off from the grass! B: Keep off the grass!
'Keep off' does not need the extra preposition 'from'.
Match the 'keep off' sentence to the correct situation.
1. Keep off the subject. 2. Keep off the floor. 3. Keep off the sweets.
Each sense of 'keep off' applies to a different real-world context.
Complete the dialogue.
Host: 'I know you two disagree about politics.' Guest: 'Don't worry, we'll _______.'
'Keep off the topic' is the most natural way to agree to avoid a subject.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Keep Off vs. Keep Out
Common Things to Keep Off
Physical
- • Grass
- • Wet Floor
- • Furniture
Health
- • Sugar
- • Alcohol
- • Injured Leg
Social
- • Politics
- • Ex-partners
- • Money
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosThe doctor told him to _______ his injured foot for a week.
We use 'keep off' for medical advice regarding not putting weight on a limb.
A: Keep off from the grass! B: Keep off the grass!
'Keep off' does not need the extra preposition 'from'.
1. Keep off the subject. 2. Keep off the floor. 3. Keep off the sweets.
Each sense of 'keep off' applies to a different real-world context.
Host: 'I know you two disagree about politics.' Guest: 'Don't worry, we'll _______.'
'Keep off the topic' is the most natural way to agree to avoid a subject.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasYes, if you mean don't sit or lean on the car's surface.
On a sign, it's a standard command. In conversation, it can be blunt, so adding 'let's' or 'please' helps.
The past tense is 'kept off'. Example: 'I kept off the grass.'
Only if they are physically on top of you (like a child climbing on you). Otherwise, use 'stay away'.
As a verb, it's two words. As an adjective (rare), it might be hyphenated.
No, you say 'the rain kept off', meaning it didn't start.
It means to not gain back weight that you have already lost.
Yes, 'stay off' is a very common and slightly more informal synonym.
Yes, if you are talking about avoiding certain topics or habits.
It's shorter and covers more actions (walking, sitting, touching).
Frases relacionadas
stay away
similarTo maintain distance from a person or place.
hands off
specialized formDo not touch something.
steer clear of
idiomTo avoid something dangerous or unpleasant.
keep out
contrastDo not enter a space.
refrain from
formal synonymTo stop oneself from doing something.
