Keep sb under Meaning / Examples / How to Use

What Does “Keep sb under” Mean?

“Keep sb under” means to control or restrain someone, often by maintaining power or authority over them.

Introduction

The phrase “Keep sb under” is a common phrasal verb used in English to describe the act of controlling or holding someone back. It often refers to situations where one person or group maintains dominance or authority over another. Understanding the Keep sb under meaning helps learners use this expression accurately in different contexts, from everyday conversations to formal discussions about control or influence.

Quick Info Box

• Phrasal verb: Keep somebody under
• Type: Transitive
• Level: B2
• Short meaning: To control or restrain someone

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Keep sb under” is a transitive phrasal verb, which means it requires a direct object (someone). It is inseparable, so you cannot place the object between “keep” and “under.”

• Correct: Keep someone under control
• Incorrect: Keep under someone

Common pattern: keep + somebody + under + [noun]

How to Use “Keep sb under”?

You use “Keep sb under” when talking about maintaining control or supervision over a person. This can relate to authority figures like parents, teachers, or bosses, or situations where someone is being physically or emotionally restrained. It often appears with words like control, pressure, surveillance, or influence.

Examples

Here are some examples using “Keep sb under in a sentence” to show its natural use:

• The manager keeps his employees under strict supervision to ensure productivity.
• Parents often try to keep their children under control in public places.
• During the investigation, the police kept the suspect under close watch.
• Some governments keep citizens under tight restrictions to maintain order.
• She felt like her boss was keeping her under constant pressure to meet deadlines.

Common Mistakes

Many learners confuse the order of words or use “keep sb under” incorrectly by separating the phrase or misplacing the object.

• Incorrect: Keep under him the employees.
• Correct: Keep the employees under him.
• Incorrect: Keep under control someone.
• Correct: Keep someone under control.

Differences / Synonyms

“Keep sb under” is similar to phrases like “hold sb down,” “keep sb in check,” or “keep sb controlled,” but there are subtle differences.

• Hold sb down: Suggests physical restraint or suppression.
• Keep sb in check: Means to limit or control behavior, often temporarily.
• Keep sb under: Implies ongoing control or authority, often in a broader sense.

Use “keep sb under” when emphasizing sustained control or influence over someone.

Common Collocations

Here are common collocations with “keep sb under” and their meanings:

• Keep sb under control – To manage or restrain someone’s behavior.
• Keep sb under surveillance – To watch someone carefully.
• Keep sb under pressure – To apply continuous stress or demands.
• Keep sb under observation – To monitor someone closely.
• Keep sb under authority – To maintain power or command over someone.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of keep sb under:

• Keep Sth On Sb
• Keep Sb From Doing Sth
• Keep Sth Away
• Keep Sb From Sth
• Keep Ahead Of Sth

Real-life Dialogue

Here is a short conversation showing “keep sb under” in a natural setting:

Anna: The new supervisor keeps the team under strict rules.

Tom: Yes, it feels like there’s no freedom at work anymore.

Anna: I know, but I guess they want to keep everyone under control to avoid mistakes.

Practice

Try to complete the sentences with the correct form of “keep sb under”:

• The teacher always tries to ______ the class ______ control during exams.
• Authorities keep protesters ______ close ______ during the demonstration.
• She felt like her parents kept her ______ constant ______ pressure.

FAQs

• What does “keep sb under” mean? It means to control, restrain, or maintain authority over someone.
• Is “keep sb under” separable? No, the phrase is inseparable; the object always comes between “keep” and “under.”
• Can “keep sb under” be used in formal writing? Yes, especially when discussing control, authority, or supervision.
• What are common words used with “keep sb under”? Control, pressure, surveillance, observation, authority.
• Is “keep sb under” the same as “hold sb down”? No, “hold sb down” often implies physical restraint, while “keep sb under” is broader and can mean ongoing control.