1 B1 neutral
To follow a route, path, or lane and not deviate from it.
"In the UK, drivers must keep to the left-hand side of the road."
inseparable
keep to
B1 neutral inseparable transitive
To follow or stay within agreed limits, rules, a plan, or a path.
In plain English
To stay with something and not change it — like following a plan or a path.
What does "keep to" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To observe and not deviate from a plan, schedule, or agreement.
"If we keep to the original budget, we'll be fine — it's the unexpected costs that cause problems."
inseparable
3 B1 neutral
To remain on a specific topic without going off-subject.
"Let's keep to the agenda — we only have 30 minutes for this meeting."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To remain on or within a path or boundary.
Actually means
To stay with something and not change it — like following a plan or a path.
Usage tip
Used with schedules, budgets, paths, topics, plans, and rules. The phrase 'keep to the point' is very common in meetings. Also used in physical contexts ('keep to the left'). 'Keep to yourself / oneself' is a separate idiom meaning to be private.
Words that pair with "keep to"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
schedule budget path plan rules left point subject
How to conjugate "keep to"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
keep to
I/you/we/they
3rd person
keeps to
he/she/it
Past simple
kept to
yesterday
Past participle
kept to
have + pp
-ing form
keeping to
continuous
Hear "keep to" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "keep to" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "keep to"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.