Kept secret

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Kept secret" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been intentionally hidden or not disclosed to others. Example: "The details of the project were kept secret to protect sensitive information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

- Kept secret files on city personnel.

Los Angeles Times

LinkedIn for Marketing -- The Best Kept Secret?

HuffPost

It was kept secret".

The New York Times - Sports

Everything was kept secret".

The New York Times

The proceedings are kept secret.

Independent

Most adoptions were kept secret.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

"It's Stockholm's best-kept secret".

The New York Times - Travel

"Best-kept secret".

The New York Times

It's another well-kept secret.

The New York Times

It's almost a well-kept secret.

Independent

"They're a well-kept secret," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "kept secret", ensure the context clearly indicates who is keeping the secret and from whom. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "kept secret" merely to create intrigue or sensationalize mundane information. Use it when the secrecy genuinely impacts the narrative or situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept secret" functions as a descriptive element, often an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the state of something being hidden or not publicly known, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

21%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "kept secret" is a versatile and commonly used expression to denote confidentiality or concealment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While adaptable to various contexts, it frequently appears in news and media. When using "kept secret", consider the context and purpose to ensure clarity and impact. Be mindful of avoiding overuse in sensationalized contexts, and always aim to provide clear indication of who is maintaining the secrecy and from whom.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Remained confidential

Highlights the state of being confidential.

Not made public

Simple and direct way of saying something wasn't publicly known.

Maintained in secrecy

Focuses on the act of maintaining secrecy over time.

Classified information

Emphasizes its classification status and limited access.

Held back from disclosure

Emphasizes the act of preventing information from being revealed.

Hidden from view

Emphasizes the concealment of information.

Was not revealed

Directly states that something was not disclosed.

Shielded from exposure

Highlights the protection from being exposed.

Conserved as private

Highlights the preservation of privacy.

Unrevealed status

Focuses on the condition of not being revealed.

FAQs

What does "kept secret" mean?

The phrase "kept secret" means that information or actions are intentionally concealed or not disclosed to others. It implies a deliberate effort to maintain confidentiality.

How can I use "kept secret" in a sentence?

You can use "kept secret" to describe anything that's intentionally hidden, such as "The details of the negotiation were "kept secret" to maintain a competitive advantage".

What are some alternatives to "kept secret"?

Alternatives to "kept secret" include "remained confidential", "not made public", or "held back from disclosure". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "kept secret" or "was kept secret"?

Both "kept secret" and "was kept secret" are grammatically correct. "Kept secret" is often used as a shorter, more concise way to express the idea, while "was kept secret" provides more emphasis on the action of keeping something secret. For example: The file was "kept secret".