Choose the correct words to fill in the blank.
To enforce discipline, the principal asked the teachers to _______ the strict vigilance to deter the habitual latecomers.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → keep up
A phrasal verb is a verb joined with a small word such as up, out or together. The two words together have a new meaning.
The principal wants the teachers to go on with their strict watch so that the habitual latecomers are deterred.
Complete sentence: To enforce discipline, the principal asked the teachers to keep up the strict vigilance to deter the habitual latecomers.
| Phrasal verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) keep in | to stop someone from going out, or to hold back a feeling. Vigilance is not something to be held inside. | The teacher kept the noisy boys in during the break. |
| (2) keep on | to continue doing something. It is followed by an -ing form ("keep on checking"), not by a noun such as vigilance. | She kept on talking through the film. |
| (3) keep up (answer) | to continue something at the same level without letting it weaken | The team must keep up the good work in the second half. |
| (4) keep off | to stay away from something or avoid it. It is the opposite of what the principal wants. | Please keep off the grass. |
Contrast: "keep up" is followed by a noun (keep up the vigilance), while "keep on" is followed by an -ing form (keep on checking).