Keep Up With – Definition and Part of Speech
The phrase “keep up with” is an idiom used as a verb or part of a verbal expression. It signifies maintaining pace, progress, or awareness in relation to something else, which could be tasks, trends, information, or activities. This phrasal verb often implies effort or vigilance to ensure you are not falling behind or lagging.
Core Synonyms
Below is a table with synonyms for “keep up with,” including their nuances and example sentences:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Match | Equal in pace or level; often used competitively. | “She always manages to match her competitors’ performance.” | Informal/Casual |
| Stay abreast of | To remain informed about the latest developments or information. | “Professionals need to stay abreast of industry trends.” | Formal/Academic |
| Keep pace with | To maintain the same speed or rate as something else. | “We must keep pace with technological advancements.” | Business/Formal |
| Catch up | To reach the level or position that others have reached; can imply some delay. | “He is working hard to catch up on his missed coursework.” | Informal/Neutral |
| Keep abreast of | Similar to “stay abreast,” used to indicate keeping informed. | “She makes sure to keep abreast of any changes in legislation.” | Formal/Academic |
| Trail behind | To follow at a slower rate, implying potential delay or lagging. | “He struggled to trail behind his classmates this semester.” | Informal/Descriptive |
Usage Notes
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Match: Best used when the context involves competition or equalization in skill, ability, or progress. Suitable for informal scenarios and competitive settings.
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Stay abreast of/stay informed about: Ideal in professional or academic contexts where awareness of developments is crucial, such as business strategies or scientific advancements.
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Keep pace with: Commonly used in business writing to describe the necessity of maintaining the speed of innovation or change within a specific industry.
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Catch up: Often conveys effort after falling behind. Useful for both casual conversations and more formal contexts where progress needs to be regained.
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Keep abreast of: A slightly less formal version of “stay abreast of,” often used in business settings to emphasize ongoing awareness without the formality.
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Trail behind: Typically used descriptively to show that someone or something is following but at a slower rate. It can have negative connotations unless contextually clarified as progress rather than failure.
Common Pitfalls
Learners might confuse “keep pace with” and “trail behind,” as both involve speed and position relative to others, but they carry opposite meanings—maintaining speed versus falling behind.
Similarly, “stay abreast of” and “keep abreast of” can be tricky due to their interchangeability; however, subtle differences in formality might make one preferable over the other depending on context.
Final Recap
In summary, “keep up with” encompasses a range of synonyms like “match,” “catch up,” “stay abreast of,” and others. Each synonym carries unique nuances that best fit particular contexts—from business settings to academic writing or everyday speech. By understanding these differences and practicing their usage, learners can enhance both vocabulary and expression.
To solidify your grasp on these terms, try crafting sentences in various contexts, or discuss them with peers to observe how interchangeable they are in conversation. This practice will help ensure that the subtleties of each synonym are well understood and effectively utilized.