be kept special

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be kept special" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts where you want to emphasize the importance of maintaining something in a unique or valued state, but it is not commonly used. Example: "We want this event to be kept special for all our guests, so we will limit the number of attendees."

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Some on both sides of the aisle think Sundays must be kept special, both to guard against non-stop consumerism and to protect family life.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The father of the family who asked to be re-seated explained his motivation with the statement, "special needs kids should be kept in special places" (Broderick, 2013).

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Mr Escobal and his team hope to persuade them that cuyes should not be kept for special occasions, but eaten far more regularly.

The Economist

AquaBounty Technologies, which is based in Massachusetts, insists that its genetically modified fish pose no threat to the environment and will be kept in special disease- and antibiotic-free conditions.

The Guardian

Last month, it was revealed that the country's most dangerous convicted extremists will soon be kept in special high-security units reserved for extremists.

Vice

You need two bins (they can be kept indoors) and special bran inoculated with good bacteria.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The only other category where an incumbent coach will be kept is at special teams, where Mike Sweatman has molded an effective unit.

The New York Times - Sports

A classified document remains classified even if the government has inadvertently disclosed it, they argued, and the document turned over to Al Haramain was classified at the highest level; it contained Sensitive Compartmented Information, which must be kept in a special facility, called a SCIF.

The New Yorker

A legal battle over whether the frozen bodies of a wealthy French couple can be kept indefinitely in a special chamber built in their chateau is to go before a French court today.

The New York Times

"But a lot of these kids might be kept from being sent to special education if they are taught properly in the first place".

The New York Times

When dealing with multi-tasking software, there are some special requirements to be kept in mind when selecting languages and compilers.

Real-Time Systems Development

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be kept special", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific qualities are being preserved or emphasized.

Common error

Avoid using "be kept special" too frequently, as it can sound unnatural. Opt for more common and specific alternatives like "remain unique" or "be cherished" to maintain clarity and flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be kept special" functions as a passive construction emphasizing the act of maintaining something's distinctiveness or value. While Ludwig provides limited exact examples, the broader context suggests its purpose is to highlight preservation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be kept special" is a relatively uncommon way to express the idea of maintaining something's unique qualities or value. While grammatically acceptable, it's less standard than alternatives like "remain unique" or "be cherished". Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is somewhat awkward and suggests using alternative phrases for improved clarity. Although it appears across diverse contexts like News & Media and Scientific publications, its low frequency suggests reserving it for situations where emphasizing preservation is paramount, and considering more common alternatives otherwise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain unique

Focuses on maintaining distinctiveness rather than a general special status.

be treated with care

Emphasizes the careful handling and preservation of something.

be preserved

Highlights the act of maintaining something in its original condition.

be valued

Focuses on the importance and worth attached to something.

be cherished

Emphasizes the emotional connection and appreciation for something.

be protected

Highlights the act of safeguarding something from harm or degradation.

be maintained

Focuses on the ongoing effort to keep something in good condition.

be revered

Emphasizes deep respect and admiration for something.

be distinguished

Highlights the act of setting something apart as exceptional.

be considered exceptional

Focuses on the high regard and esteem in which something is held.

FAQs

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

While not a standard phrase, you might use "be kept special" to emphasize maintaining a unique quality. For example: "We want this event to be "be kept special" for all our guests, so we will limit the number of attendees."

What can I say instead of "be kept special"?

You can use alternatives like "remain unique", "be treated with care", or "be preserved" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "be kept special" or "remain special"?

"Remain special" is more grammatically standard and frequently used than "be kept special". It directly conveys the idea of maintaining a particular distinction or value.

What does it mean for something to "be kept special"?

When something is said to "be kept special", it typically means efforts are made to ensure it retains its unique qualities, value, or significance, preventing it from becoming ordinary or diminished. However, this phrasing is less common; alternatives like "remain unique" may be clearer.