be kept apart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be kept apart" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two or more entities are intentionally separated or isolated from each other. Example: "During the experiment, the two chemicals must be kept apart to prevent a dangerous reaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

But they also have to be kept apart.

Independent

The players had to be kept apart by coaches.

The New York Times - Sports

Otherwise, tasks should be kept apart and undertaken by different units.

International Journal of Industrial Organization

Some prisoners need to be kept apart from other inmates for their own safety.

The Economist

There was no clear reason why these teams should be kept apart".

The Guardian - Sport

These painters are cat and dog and should be kept apart from each other.

The New York Times

They had to be kept apart, too, lest Pliooshka infect Loki.

The New York Times

Inside prisons, radicalised inmates should be kept apart, as is done in Fresnes prison in France.

The Guardian - Opinion

"They have to be kept apart from other animals," said Mohamed.

The Guardian

For Greene as a novelist, life and work could be kept apart.

The Guardian - Books

The row for "288 inmates" houses child molesters, who must be kept apart from other inmates lest they are killed.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be kept apart", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is doing the separating. Active voice can sometimes provide more clarity. For example, instead of "The chemicals must be kept apart", consider "The lab technician must keep the chemicals apart."

Common error

Avoid using "be kept apart" when a simple physical distance suffices. For instance, instead of "The desks should be kept apart", consider "The desks should be spaced out" if the goal is merely to avoid crowding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be kept apart" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating a state where something or someone is maintained in a separate condition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be kept apart" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate the necessity of maintaining separation between entities. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it enjoys widespread use across diverse contexts, from news reports and scientific publications to general media. While suitable for both formal and informal settings, its specific application depends on the surrounding context. Remember to clearly identify the agent responsible for the separation to enhance clarity. Common alternatives include phrases like "remain separated" or "stay isolated", each offering subtle variations in meaning. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use the phrase "be kept apart" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be kept separate

A direct synonym, emphasizing the state of being divided.

remain separated

Focuses on the state of being separated rather than the action of separating.

be isolated

Similar to 'stay isolated', but can also refer to quarantining due to illness.

stay isolated

Implies a higher degree of separation, suggesting loneliness or lack of contact.

be distanced

Suggests a removal of closeness, either physically or emotionally.

be segregated

Often used in contexts of social or racial separation, carrying stronger connotations of discrimination.

be sectioned off

Similar to 'be partitioned off', but may imply a more temporary separation.

be partitioned off

Suggests a physical division, like creating separate rooms or areas.

be cordoned off

Often used when an area is blocked off by authorities, typically for safety or security reasons.

be quarantined

Specifically refers to the isolation of individuals or objects to prevent the spread of disease.

FAQs

How can I use "be kept apart" in a sentence?

The phrase "be kept apart" indicates that two or more things should be separated from each other. For example, "During the experiment, the reactants must "be kept apart" to prevent an explosion".

What are some alternatives to "be kept apart"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "remain separated", "stay isolated", or "be kept separate".

When is it appropriate to use "be kept apart" instead of "be separated"?

"Be kept apart" often implies a more deliberate or enforced separation, whereas "be separated" can refer to a general state of being not together. For instance, sensitive documents must "be kept apart" from unauthorized personnel, but siblings might "be separated" by distance.

Is "be kept apart" formal or informal?

"Be kept apart" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure than the phrase itself.