be kept secret

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be kept secret" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that should remain confidential or not be disclosed to others. Example: "The details of the agreement must be kept secret to protect both parties involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But such knowledge cannot be kept secret.

Independent

"No contract will be kept secret".

The New York Times

" This shouldn't be kept secret.

The Guardian

PUHL: That it should be kept secret?

Yale University

Will the warrants be kept secret?

The Guardian

"Court records could be kept secret forever.

The Guardian

Such efforts would not even need to be kept secret.

The Economist

It could not be kept secret, he said.

The Guardian

Some information needs to be kept secret, right?

The Washington Post

Mr. Royce would prefer that to be kept secret.

The New York Times

Is there information that should be kept secret or confidential?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sensitive topics, use "be kept secret" to emphasize the need for discretion and prevent unintended disclosure. Ensure all parties involved understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality.

Common error

Avoid using "be kept secret" in casual conversations where simpler terms like "keep it quiet" or "don't tell anyone" are more appropriate. Overusing formal language can sound unnatural in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be kept secret" functions as a passive construction, indicating that information or something else should not be disclosed or revealed. As Ludwig AI states, it is correct and usable in written English, frequently emphasizing confidentiality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

23%

Science

19%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be kept secret" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to emphasize the need for confidentiality. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is found frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When writing, remember that while the phrase is appropriate in many situations, more informal options may be suitable for casual conversation. Alternatives like ""remain confidential"" or ""stay undisclosed"" offer subtle variations in meaning, as well.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain confidential

Focuses on the status of information as private and not for general release.

stay undisclosed

Emphasizes the act of not revealing information.

be held back

Suggests information is intentionally suppressed or not shared.

be concealed

Highlights the act of hiding something from view or knowledge.

not be revealed

Directly states that something should not be made known.

be shrouded in secrecy

Implies a deliberate effort to make something mysterious and inaccessible.

be under wraps

Suggests that information is currently hidden but may be revealed later.

be off the record

Indicates that information is not intended for public dissemination, especially in journalistic contexts.

be for your ears only

Informal way of saying something should not be repeated to others.

be buried

Suggests information is actively being suppressed from becoming public.

FAQs

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

You can use "be kept secret" to emphasize the importance of not revealing certain information, as in "The details of the negotiation must "be kept secret" to avoid jeopardizing the deal."

What are some alternatives to "be kept secret"?

Alternatives include "remain confidential", "stay undisclosed", or "be held back", each carrying a slightly different nuance regarding the act of concealing information.

When is it appropriate to use "be kept secret"?

It's appropriate when the confidentiality of information is crucial, such as in legal agreements, business strategies, or personal matters where disclosure could have negative consequences. In less critical contexts other alternative phrases are usually preferred.

What's the difference between "be kept secret" and ""remain confidential""?

"Be kept secret" implies an action to maintain secrecy, while ""remain confidential"" describes the state of being confidential. The first focuses on the act of concealing and the second on the condition of being concealed.