be kept neat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be kept neat" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something should be kept in an orderly and tidy state. For example: "The workbench should be kept neat and tidy at all times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Uniforms were to be kept "neat and clean," according to the student handbook, with "shoes and brass shined".

The New York Times

It should be kept neat and organised so you can actually see at a glance what is there.

Huffington Post

Our "works" (classroom activities) were to be kept neat and were to be practiced on cream ribbed mats on our meticulously student-swept terra-cotta tile floor.

HuffPost

"There is a lot of emphasis on the aesthetics of the set, the set is expected to be kept neat, a/c cables are tucked away or taped down in straight lines, there are a lot of duvatines put up, drink cups and plates are always disposed of regardless of who they were left by.

Vice

Pet areas must be kept neat and clear with emergency washing stations and disinfectants.

WikiHow

Do it at your desk which should be kept neat with equipment and books.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The trains ran to time; the stations were kept neat and tidy; time passed.

The Guardian

Mrs. Petkins' Lawn is an area that a certain lady watched to see that it was kept neat.

The New Yorker

To balance the bold shades, the silhouette was kept neat – the coats were a tad boxy and worn with slimline trousers.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Through this process our lab is kept neat and orderly, and it requires less time each week to check our process, giving us even more reason to maintain the system.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Each pool was split into two 25 mL aliquots, 12.5 μL Tween 20 (0.05%) was introduced to one aliquot, and the other was kept neat.

Alzheimer's Research and Therapy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing expectations for a workspace or living area, use "be kept neat" to clearly communicate the need for tidiness and order.

Common error

Avoid prioritizing neatness to the detriment of practicality. While an area should "be kept neat", ensure that functionality isn't sacrificed for the sake of appearance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be kept neat" functions as a passive voice construction indicating a requirement or expectation for something to maintain a tidy state. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

24%

News & Media

58%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be kept neat" is a grammatically sound construction used to convey the expectation of maintaining order and tidiness. Ludwig AI indicates its correctness and provides numerous examples across various contexts. While the phrase is considered to be of neutral register, it is most commonly found in News & Media and Wiki sources. When employing this phrase, ensure you are prioritizing both aesthetics and functionality and adapt its usage to suit the specific audience and tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be consistently neat

Adds emphasis on the consistency of being neat

be maintained tidily

Uses 'tidily' to specify the manner of maintenance, providing more detail.

be always tidy

Concentrates on the consistent state of tidiness.

remain orderly

Focuses on the state of being orderly rather than the action of keeping something that way.

be held in order

Highlights the aspect of maintaining a specific arrangement or sequence.

stay organized

Emphasizes the aspect of organization as opposed to general neatness.

be preserved cleanly

Switches the focus to cleanliness alongside preservation.

be managed well

Shifts the emphasis to the overall management and care of something.

be free from clutter

Instead of being neat, focuses on the absence of clutter.

be well-groomed

Replaces the term with a term regarding appearance and hygiene

FAQs

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

You can use "be kept neat" to describe an area or object that needs to be maintained in an orderly fashion. For example, "The laboratory should be kept neat at all times".

What phrases are similar to "be kept neat"?

Similar phrases include "remain orderly", "stay organized", or "be maintained tidily", each emphasizing slightly different aspects of order and cleanliness.

Is it better to say "be kept neat" or "be kept clean"?

The choice depends on the context. "Be kept neat" emphasizes order and tidiness, while "be kept clean" focuses on hygiene and the absence of dirt. They can also be used together for a more comprehensive expectation.

How formal is the phrase "be kept neat"?

The phrase "be kept neat" is relatively neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the overall tone of the writing. However, more formal alternatives like "maintained in an orderly fashion" may be preferred in highly professional settings.