Definition

1. Verb:
   • To stay informed about something, to keep up with the latest information or developments: The phrase "keep abreast" means to make a conscious effort to remain updated and knowledgeable about a particular subject, situation, or field, ensuring one's knowledge is current and not outdated.

Usage

The verb phrase "keep abreast" is used to describe the ongoing action of staying informed. It is typically followed by the preposition "of" and the topic one is staying informed about. It implies active effort and regular attention.

Examples

• Verb:
  • It's important for professionals to keep abreast of industry trends. (This shows the necessity of staying updated in one's field.)
  • She reads the news daily to keep abreast of current events. (This illustrates the method used to stay informed.)
  • How do you keep abreast of the latest scientific research? (This is a question about the method of staying updated.)

Advanced Usage

• "keep abreast with": While "keep abreast of" is more common, "keep abreast with" is also used, particularly in some regional varieties of English, with a similar meaning.
  • He struggles to keep abreast with the rapid pace of technological change.

Variants and Related Words

• Stay abreast (of): A direct synonym with identical meaning and usage.
  • Managers must stay abreast of new regulations.
• Keep up (with): A more general and common phrasal verb meaning to stay level with or informed about something. It can be used in a wider range of contexts.
  • I try to keep up with my old friends. (This can mean staying socially connected, not just informed.)
• Keep informed (about/of): A more formal alternative that explicitly states the action.
  • The newsletter helps members keep informed about club activities.

Synonyms

• Stay updated (on/about): To maintain current knowledge.
• Keep pace (with): To progress or develop at the same speed as something else, often used in contexts of change.
• Monitor: To watch and check a situation carefully for a period of time, often implying a more formal or systematic observation.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Keep up on: A phrasal verb very close in meaning to "keep abreast of," specifically meaning to stay informed about.
  • He keeps up on all the latest sports scores.
• Keep up with: As noted above, a broader term that can mean to stay informed, to maintain the same speed, or to manage responsibilities.
  • She keeps up with her work emails. (This implies managing them effectively.)

Related Idioms

• Stay in the loop: To be included in the flow of information about a particular matter.
  • Please copy me on the emails so I can stay in the loop.
• Be up to speed: To have all the latest information about a situation.
  • After the briefing, the new manager was up to speed on the project.

Verb

1. keep informed
   • He kept up on his country's foreign policies