are kept for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are kept for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is retained or reserved for a specific purpose or person. Example: "The documents are kept for future reference in case we need to revisit the information."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No records are kept for individual cases.

The New York Times

Video images, however, are kept for up to 100 days.

The New York Times

Most dog teams today are kept for recreation or racing rather than for working.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ewes are housed by groups (50 to 100 each), and special pens are kept for lambs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Cattle are kept for slaughter and are also used as currency.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Others are kept for trial after the collapse of the regime".

The New York Times

While the rhino population remains closely monitored, no accurate records are kept for elephants.

The Guardian

Because of their delicacy, they are kept for scholars in the Fogg's drawings department.

The New York Times - Arts

Cattle are kept for milk, as a source of prestige, and for use in bridewealth payments and other exchanges.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The father and son are carted off to a prison, where they are kept for five years.

The New York Times

There are hospitals where women are kept for the whole nine months while they carry someone else's child.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are kept for", ensure the purpose or reason for keeping something is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example, "These files are kept for auditing purposes."

Common error

Avoid using "are kept for" when "were kept for" is more appropriate to indicate a past state. Always consider the timeline of the action to ensure accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are kept for" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that something is being retained or preserved for a specific purpose. Ludwig shows various examples where items, data, or even people are held with a defined intention.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are kept for" functions as a passive verb phrase to indicate that something is being retained for a specific reason. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and versatile, appearing frequently in diverse contexts such as science, news, and encyclopedias. When writing, ensure you clearly state the purpose or reason for keeping something to avoid any ambiguity. Some alternatives include "are reserved for", "are retained for", and "are maintained for", each with slightly different connotations. Be mindful of the correct tense, avoid using "are kept for" when "were kept for" is more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are reserved for

Emphasizes that something is specifically set aside for a particular use or person.

are retained for

Highlights the act of maintaining or preserving something for future use.

are maintained for

Suggests ongoing care or upkeep to ensure something remains available for its intended purpose.

are stored for

Focuses on the physical act of placing something in a location for safekeeping and future retrieval.

are held for

Implies a temporary withholding or preservation for a specific duration or event.

are designated for

Indicates a formal assignment or allocation for a particular purpose or group.

are preserved for

Emphasizes the act of protecting something from damage or decay to ensure its longevity.

are saved for

Suggests setting something aside, often with the implication of future use during scarcity or need.

are allocated to

Highlights the distribution or assignment of resources to a specific purpose or recipient.

are earmarked for

Implies that funds or resources have been specifically designated for a particular project or purpose and cannot be used for anything else.

FAQs

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

You can use "are kept for" to indicate the reason why something is retained or stored. For example, "These records are kept for legal reasons" or "The tools are kept for future projects".

What are some alternatives to "are kept for"?

Alternatives include "are reserved for", "are retained for", or "are maintained for", each conveying a slightly different nuance of purpose.

Is it correct to say "is kept for" instead of "are kept for"?

No, "is kept for" is used with singular nouns or uncountable nouns, while "are kept for" is used with plural nouns. For example, "The document is kept for reference" but "The documents are kept for reference".

What's the difference between "are kept for" and "are used for"?

"Are kept for" implies retention with a specific future purpose in mind, while "are used for" indicates current or regular application. For instance, "These samples are kept for further analysis" versus "These tools are used for construction".