1 A2 neutral
To move or work at the same speed as someone or something so as not to fall behind.
"She ran faster, and I found it hard to keep up with her."
inseparable
keep up with
A2 neutral inseparable transitive
To match the pace, level, or rate of change of something or someone; or to stay informed about current news or developments.
In plain English
To stay at the same level as someone or something, or to always know what is happening.
What does "keep up with" mean?
4 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
To stay informed about current events, news, or developments.
"I check the news every morning to keep up with what's happening in the world."
inseparable
3 B1 neutral
To match or meet a growing demand, rate, or standard.
"Production couldn't keep up with the demand for the new phone model."
inseparable
4 B1 informal
To maintain regular contact or a relationship with someone.
"It's difficult to keep up with old friends once you move to a different city."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To travel at the same speed as someone moving alongside you.
Actually means
To stay at the same level as someone or something, or to always know what is happening.
Usage tip
One of the most common phrasal verbs in English. Used for pace (keeping up with a runner), information (keeping up with the news), technology (keeping up with trends), social pressure (keeping up with the Joneses), and relationships (keeping up with friends). Very flexible in register.
Words that pair with "keep up with"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
news trends technology changes demand payments Joneses developments
How to conjugate "keep up with"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
keep up with
I/you/we/they
3rd person
keeps up with
he/she/it
Past simple
kept up with
yesterday
Past participle
kept up with
have + pp
-ing form
keeping up with
continuous
Hear "keep up with" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "keep up with" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "keep up with"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
follow keep pace with match stay abreast of stay current with track
Keep exploring
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