Keep sth down Meaning, Examples & How to Use the Phrasal Verb

What Does “keep sth down” Mean?

The phrasal verb “keep sth down” means to control or limit something, such as noise, costs, or emotions, so that it does not increase or become worse.

Introduction

The phrase keep sth down is a common English phrasal verb used in many situations. It usually means to prevent something from rising or becoming too much. For example, you can keep noise down in a library or keep costs down when shopping. Understanding the keep sth down meaning helps you use it correctly in daily conversations. This phrase is very useful because it applies to many areas like controlling feelings, reducing expenses, or limiting physical actions. Learning how to use “keep sth down” will improve your English and help you sound more natural.

Quick Info Box

• Phrasal verb: keep something down
• Type: Transitive
• Level: B1 (Intermediate)
• Short meaning: To control or limit something from increasing or causing problems

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Keep sth down” is a separable phrasal verb. This means you can place the object (something) between “keep” and “down” or after the entire phrase.

• Keep the noise down.
• Keep down the noise.

Both forms are correct, but the first is more common with short objects (pronouns).

• Keep it down.
• Keep down it. (incorrect)

How to Use “keep sth down”?

Use “keep sth down” when you want to talk about controlling or limiting something. It can be noise, costs, emotions, or even physical things like food or feelings. This phrase is often used in requests or advice.

• Keep the noise down, please.
• We need to keep costs down this year.
• Try to keep your anger down during the meeting.

Examples

Here are some natural sentences using “keep sth down” in everyday contexts:

• Can you keep the music down? I’m trying to study.
• They worked hard to keep expenses down while building the house.
• It’s important to keep your voice down in the library.
• She tried to keep her excitement down before the big announcement.
• Doctors advised him to keep his salt intake down for health reasons.

Common Mistakes

Many learners confuse the position of the object or use the wrong object with “keep sth down”.

• Incorrect: Keep down the noise.
• Correct: Keep the noise down.
• Incorrect: Keep down it.
• Correct: Keep it down.

Also, avoid using “keep sth down” when you mean to stop something completely. It means to control or limit, not to eliminate.

Differences / Synonyms

“Keep sth down” is similar to phrases like “turn down” or “cut down,” but each has a different meaning.

• Keep down means to control or limit something so it doesn’t increase.
• Turn down means to reduce volume or refuse something.
• Cut down means to reduce the amount or size of something.

For example, “keep the noise down” means control noise levels, while “turn down the music” means lower the volume.

Common Collocations

Here are common objects used with “keep sth down” and their meanings:

• Noise: Control or reduce loud sounds.
• Costs/Expenses: Limit spending or financial output.
• Anger/Excitement: Control strong emotions.
• Weight: Prevent weight gain or reduce weight.
• Food: Physically keep food inside the stomach (used in medical contexts).

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of keep sth down:

• Keep Ahead Of Sth
• Keep Sb On
• Keep Sth Out Of Sth
• Keep Sb In
• Keep An Eye On Sb

Real-life Dialogue

Here is a short natural conversation using “keep sth down”:

John: Could you keep the noise down? I have a meeting soon.

Mary: Sure, I’ll turn off the music.

John: Thanks, I really need to focus.

Practice

Try to complete the sentences with the correct form of “keep sth down”:

• Please ________ the volume; the baby is sleeping.
• We need to ________ our spending this month.
• He tried to ________ his anger during the argument.
• Doctors told her to ________ her salt intake.

FAQs

• What does “keep sth down” mean? It means to control or limit something so it does not increase or cause problems.
• Is “keep sth down” separable? Yes, you can place the object between “keep” and “down” or after the phrase.
• Can “keep sth down” be used for emotions? Yes, it can be used to describe controlling feelings like anger or excitement.
• What is the difference between “keep down” and “cut down”? “Keep down” means to control or limit, while “cut down” means to reduce the amount or size.
• Can I say “keep down the noise”? It’s better to say “keep the noise down.”