Language is rich with expressions that convey more than just literal meanings. One such phrase that often appears in conversations, news reports, and professional settings is keep abreast of. This idiom carries an important functional meaning that helps individuals stay informed and aware in fast-changing environments. Understanding its meaning, usage, and context is essential, especially for non-native English speakers or learners who are keen on improving their language skills and comprehension of idiomatic expressions.
Understanding the Idiom ‘Keep Abreast of’
Literal vs Idiomatic Meaning
The idiom keep abreast of does not literally refer to one’s physical chest or body position. Instead, it stems from the idea of staying side by side with something metaphorically staying in line with the latest events, updates, or information. To keep abreast of something means to stay informed about current developments or ongoing changes in a particular field or situation.
Meaning and Interpretation
Keep abreast of is generally interpreted as making an effort to remain current or up to date. It implies an active approach to learning or staying informed. For example:
- Journalists must keep abreast of global news events.
- It is important to keep abreast of technology trends in the IT industry.
- Parents try to keep abreast of their children’s academic progress.
Each of these sentences shows that the idiom emphasizes being up to date with relevant developments.
Origins and Etymology
Historical Background
The word abreast originated from the combination of a- (a prefix meaning on or in a state of) and breast. The term originally described two people standing shoulder to shoulder, literally breast to breast. Over time, the phrase evolved into a metaphorical use, denoting that someone is keeping pace with something usually new developments or trends.
Shift to Idiomatic Use
While the physical interpretation has fallen out of common usage, the figurative meaning gained popularity, particularly in journalism, business, and education. The idiom now plays an essential role in describing one’s attentiveness to evolving information.
Examples in Different Contexts
Business Environment
In the business world, professionals often need to keep abreast of market conditions, competitor strategies, and industry regulations. Failing to do so can lead to missed opportunities or poor decision-making. Here are examples:
- The marketing manager keeps abreast of consumer trends through analytics tools.
- HR departments must keep abreast of changes in labor laws and compliance standards.
Academic and Educational Settings
Teachers, students, and researchers frequently use this idiom to describe the need for academic relevance and knowledge acquisition. For instance:
- University professors keep abreast of the latest studies in their fields.
- Students should keep abreast of syllabus changes and exam schedules.
Everyday Life
In casual or personal scenarios, people use this phrase to indicate staying informed about local events, personal interests, or family matters.
- My mother likes to keep abreast of community news through the local newspaper.
- I keep abreast of my favorite sports teams via social media.
Why ‘Keep Abreast of’ Matters
Emphasizing Active Learning
The idiom is not passive. It suggests consistent effort and engagement. In a world where information changes rapidly, the phrase reminds us that staying informed is a continuous process. Professionals who keep abreast of updates often have a competitive advantage.
Cross-Disciplinary Relevance
Regardless of the field whether medicine, education, law, or journalism the ability to keep abreast of developments is crucial. It shows responsibility, awareness, and adaptability, traits that are highly valued in both academic and work environments.
Grammatical Usage
Typical Sentence Structure
The idiom is commonly used with a prepositional phrase following of. It usually follows verbs like try to, need to, or must. Here are common patterns:
- Subject + verb + keep abreast of + noun
- He tries to keep abreast of current events.
- They need to keep abreast of legal changes.
Variations and Similar Expressions
Some similar expressions to keep abreast of include:
- Stay informed about
- Keep up with
- Remain current on
Although the meanings are similar, keep abreast of is often more formal and used in professional or academic contexts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Misusing the Idiom
Beginners may mistakenly use it without of, or misunderstand its meaning. Remember that keep abreast must always be followed by of and a specific topic.
Incorrect Usage Examples
- Incorrect: She keeps abreast technology.
- Correct: She keeps abreast of technology.
How to Practice Using ‘Keep Abreast of’
Simple Learning Techniques
To effectively integrate this idiom into everyday use:
- Use it in writing: Try including it in emails or journal entries.
- Speak it aloud: Practice sentences with this idiom in conversations.
- Read news topics: Observe how journalists use this phrase in formal writing.
Interactive Activities
Form study groups where each member shares how they’ve kept abreast of something that week. This will help reinforce the meaning and usage of the idiom in real-life conversations.
The idiom keep abreast of is a powerful expression that signals awareness, diligence, and proactive learning. It encourages individuals to stay updated and actively participate in the flow of information. Whether in professional settings, academic discussions, or personal life, knowing how and when to use this idiom can enhance communication and show a strong grasp of the English language. As we live in a dynamic, fast-paced world, the ability to keep abreast of important developments is not just a skill it’s a necessity.