be kept dry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be kept dry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when giving instructions or describing the condition in which something should be maintained, particularly in contexts related to storage or preservation. Example: "To ensure the longevity of the equipment, it must be kept dry at all times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

"Landfills should be kept dry.

The New York Times

Ornamental fountains will be kept dry.

The New York Times

In either case, the insulation material needs to be kept dry to maintain its insulation properties.

Elsevier Ocean Engineering Series

Biomass is stored in enormous depots and must be kept dry even in India's heavy rains.

The New York Times

Winter squash and sweet potatoes should be kept dry and closer to 50 degrees — perhaps closer to the furnace.

The New York Times

It took some time to discover that it was sensitive to water and that it must be kept dry.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Powders being kept dry thus far.

The Guardian - Sport

If wood is kept dry, the board will resist decay.

Cornell University

Here they are kept dry, away from rain as well as predators.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Drying of casts halted the mineralization of organic matter, resulting in lack of change in the NIR spectral signal as long as casts were kept dry.

Soil Biology and Biochemistry

Young leaves, the researchers found, at first are free of fungi and can be kept free of endophytes if they are kept dry.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to store items, specify the acceptable humidity levels along with the instruction to "be kept dry" for added clarity.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something should "be kept dry" without specifying how to achieve this. Provide actionable steps, such as using airtight containers or dehumidifiers, to ensure the instruction is followed effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be kept dry" functions as a passive construction, indicating a required condition or state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and usable expression for instructions or descriptions of maintenance conditions. It highlights the necessity of preventing exposure to moisture.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

36%

Wiki

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be kept dry" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that emphasizes the importance of maintaining dryness to prevent damage or ensure proper function. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It is commonly found in News & Media and Science domains. While generally neutral in tone, it is crucial to provide clear instructions on how to achieve this state, rather than simply stating the requirement. Alternatives include "remain dry" and "stay dry". Proper usage avoids vagueness by including actionable steps.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain dry

Emphasizes the state of continuing to be dry, rather than the action of ensuring dryness.

stay dry

Similar to "remain dry", but slightly more informal.

ensure dryness

Focuses on the act of making certain something is dry, changing from passive to active voice.

maintain dryness

Highlights the ongoing effort to keep something dry.

prevent moisture

Shifts the focus to stopping moisture from affecting something.

avoid wetness

Emphasizes avoiding the condition of being wet.

protect from moisture

Focuses on shielding something from the effects of moisture.

keep free from dampness

More descriptive, specifying the avoidance of dampness.

preserve in a dry state

More formal, emphasizing the preservation of a dry condition.

store in dry conditions

Specifically relates to storage practices for maintaining dryness.

FAQs

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

You can use "be kept dry" when giving instructions or describing necessary conditions. For example: "To ensure longevity, the equipment must be kept dry."

What are some alternatives to "be kept dry"?

You can use alternatives such as "remain dry", "stay dry", or "ensure dryness" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "be kept dry"?

Yes, "be kept dry" is grammatically correct. It uses the passive voice to indicate a state or requirement.

What does it mean when something should "be kept dry"?

It means the item or area should be protected from moisture or water to maintain its condition or function. This is important for items that can be damaged by water, such as electronics, certain foods, or documents.