Fill in the blanks with the appropriate Phrasal Verb from the options given below:-
A snake might be hidden in this garden. You are advised to --------------- the grass.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → keep off
Keep off means to stay away from something, not to step or go on it. As a snake may be hidden in the garden, people are advised not to walk on the grass, that is, to keep off it.
Example: Please keep off the wet floor.
Complete sentence: A snake might be hidden in this garden. You are advised to keep off the grass.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: keep out — Incorrect. Keep out means not to enter a closed place such as a room or an area; one keeps out "of" a place, and grass is something one walks on, not enters.
Example: The guards told the visitors to keep out of the factory.
Option 2: keep under — Incorrect. Keep under means to keep control over someone or something; it does not fit "the grass".
Example: The police kept the angry crowd under control.
Option 4: keep up — Incorrect. Keep up means to continue at the same level or speed; it has nothing to do with avoiding a place.
Example: Keep up the good work.