are kept

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are kept" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is maintained or stored in a particular state or location. Example: "The important documents are kept in a secure filing cabinet to ensure their safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are kept busy.

The Economist

Bees also are kept.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Bibles are kept hidden.

The Economist

Logs are kept daily, etc.

The New Yorker

The proceedings are kept secret.

Independent

Expectations are kept in check.

The New York Times

The shades are kept drawn.

The New Yorker

Now, visitors are kept out.

The New York Times

Problems are kept private.

The Washington Post

They are kept watered.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Owners are kept away.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are kept", ensure the subject clearly identifies what is being maintained or stored. For instance, "Records are kept securely" is more precise than "Things are kept."

Common error

Avoid using "are kept" without a clear indication of who or what is performing the action of keeping. Overuse can lead to vague or unclear sentences. For example, instead of saying "Mistakes are kept", specify "Mistakes are kept hidden" or "Mistakes are kept track of".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are kept" functions as a passive verb construction. It indicates that the subject of the sentence undergoes the action of being maintained, stored, or held by an unspecified agent. Ludwig AI shows examples where this construction is commonly used to describe the state of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

32%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

12%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are kept" is a grammatically sound and very common passive construction used to indicate that something is maintained, stored, or held in a specific state or location. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across numerous contexts, particularly in news, academic, and encyclopedic sources. When using "are kept", ensure clarity by specifying what is being maintained and by whom, avoiding vague or ambiguous sentences. Alternatives like "are maintained", "are stored", and "are preserved" can offer nuanced meanings depending on the desired emphasis. Understanding its function and purpose, along with common errors to avoid, will enhance the precision and effectiveness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are maintained

Focuses more on the action of upkeep rather than simply holding or storing.

are stored

Emphasizes the act of placing something in a specific location for later use.

are preserved

Highlights the effort to maintain something in its original condition.

are retained

Implies that something is held or kept in possession.

are held

Suggests a temporary state of possession or containment.

are safeguarded

Emphasizes the act of protecting something from harm or danger.

are secured

Highlights the act of making something safe or protected.

are conserved

Focuses on the careful management and preservation of resources.

are sustained

Implies that something is supported or maintained over a long period.

are upheld

Suggests that something is maintained at a high standard.

FAQs

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

The phrase "are kept" indicates that something is maintained or stored in a particular condition or place. For example, "The documents are kept securely" or "The animals are kept in the barn".

What's the difference between "are kept" and "are maintained"?

"Are kept" generally refers to the act of holding something in a specific state or location, while "are maintained" implies a more active effort to preserve or uphold something. For example, "The files are kept in the cabinet" versus "The machines are maintained regularly".

What can I say instead of "are kept"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "are stored", "are maintained", or "are preserved".

Which is correct, "the data are kept" or "the data is kept"?

The correct form is "the data are kept" because "data" is the plural form of "datum". However, in informal usage, "the data is kept" is sometimes used, although it's grammatically incorrect.