Keep Up – Meaning and Examples
Have you ever walked with a fast friend and had to hurry so you wouldn’t fall behind? Or tried to stay current with news, trends, or schoolwork? In English, we say you’re trying to keep up. This everyday phrase is all about matching speed, maintaining effort, or staying informed—and it’s used constantly in real-life conversations.
What Does “Keep Up” Mean?
“Keep up” means to stay at the same level, pace, or standard as someone or something else. It can refer to:
• Physical pace: walking, running, or moving at the same speed
• Mental or academic progress: not falling behind in class or work
• Staying informed: following news, trends, or changes
Think of it like running alongside someone—never ahead, never too far behind. The phrase is about consistency, not speed alone.
When to Use It
Use “keep up” in casual or neutral situations:
• With friends or family: “Slow down—I can’t keep up!”
• In school or work: “She’s working hard to keep up with the readings.”
• When talking about trends or news: “It’s hard to keep up with all the new apps.”
It’s also used in the common expression “Keep up the good work!” to encourage someone.
This phrase is versatile—great for speaking, texts, or everyday writing.
Example Sentences
- I’m trying to keep up with my Spanish lessons every day.
- You’re walking too fast—I can’t keep up!
- He’s struggling to keep up after missing two weeks of class.
- Keep up the great effort—you’re doing amazing!
Mini Dialogue
Alex: “You finished the whole report already?”
Jamie: “Yeah! I’m just trying to keep up with the deadline.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t confuse “keep up” with “keep on” (which means to continue doing something) or “catch up” (which means to reach someone after falling behind). Also, “keep up” often needs a preposition like “with” when referring to a person or thing.
❌ Don’t say: “I can’t keep up the news.”
✅ Do say: “I can’t keep up with the news.”
✅ Do say: “She’s keeping up well in math class.”
Practice Tip
Next time you’re walking with someone, notice your pace—and if you’re falling behind, say, “Wait, I can’t keep up!” When you read an article or finish a lesson, think, “I’m keeping up with my goals.” Using the phrase in real moments makes it feel natural.
Final Note
Now you can use “keep up” to talk about pace, progress, or encouragement—with confidence and ease. It’s a phrase full of everyday energy, used by native speakers in work, school, and life. Keep listening for it, and soon you’ll use it without thinking. You’re doing great—keep up the good work!