be kept undercover

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be kept undercover" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something or someone being hidden or concealed from public view or knowledge, often for reasons of security or secrecy. Example: "The operation must be kept undercover to ensure the safety of all involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Responding to a query about why the new head of the National Clandestine Service is remaining undercover, Todd D. Ebitz, a spokesman for the agency, said that "senior C.I.A. officers can be kept undercover for several important reasons, including the protection of lives and operational methods".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The progress of the inquiry - set up in 2014 - has been delayed as police are arguing that many of the undercover officers must be kept secret.

The Guardian

They said the "biggest threat to the credibility of this inquiry" came from the police's insistence that the identities of the undercover officers must be kept secret.

The Guardian

Tiahrt and defenders of his amendment say it was backed by a national police union and the federal Bureau of Alcohol , Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, which wanted the database to be kept secret to protect undercover officers.

The Washington Post

Hall said this information needed to be kept secret in order to protect the undercover spies and the covert techniques they had been using.

The Guardian

Sanders sleep routine is seemingly kept undercover(s).

Huffington Post

Despite the controversy surrounding Yellow Fruit, the I.S.A. was kept intact as an undercover unit by the Army.

The New Yorker

Her statements were videotaped, the police said, by the undercover drug agents but their findings were kept quiet until now, apparently to protect their just-concluded investigation.

The New York Times

Undercover researchers found assessments were kept short – 11minutes on average – which experts say makes it "near impossible" to properly assess a new patient.

Independent

Hill visits the mental institution where Tyler is kept in an attempt to break through the assumed murderer's silence, while Jordan sets up a dangerous undercover operation.

The Guardian - Books

The undercover vegan agreed to be interviewed only if his identity was kept private because he fears retaliation.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sensitive operations or information, use "be kept undercover" to emphasize the necessity of secrecy for protection of individuals or methods.

Common error

Avoid using "be kept undercover" when simply referring to general privacy. This phrase is best suited for situations where there is an active effort to conceal activities or identities, not just a desire for personal privacy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be kept undercover" functions as a passive verb phrase, typically used to describe the state of someone or something being intentionally concealed or hidden. Ludwig confirms the validity of this phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be kept undercover" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive construction, as validated by Ludwig. It serves to highlight the need for secrecy, particularly in contexts involving law enforcement or intelligence operations. While alternatives like "remain concealed" or "be kept secret" exist, "be kept undercover" specifically emphasizes the active effort to maintain concealment. Its predominant use in news and media indicates a neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain concealed

Focuses on the state of being hidden, rather than the action of keeping something hidden.

stay hidden

Emphasizes the continuous nature of being hidden.

be kept secret

Highlights the secrecy aspect, which can be broader than just being physically hidden.

remain confidential

Stresses the need for privacy and discretion, typically for sensitive information.

be kept out of sight

Directly refers to avoiding visual detection.

be shielded from view

Emphasizes the protective aspect of being hidden.

be kept private

Highlights the intention to keep something personal and away from public knowledge.

operate clandestinely

Focuses on the manner of operation, emphasizing secrecy and discretion.

function covertly

Similar to 'operate clandestinely' but stresses the secretive nature of the function.

be suppressed

Implies an active effort to prevent information or actions from becoming known.

FAQs

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

Use "be kept undercover" to describe actions or identities that need to be concealed, especially in law enforcement or intelligence contexts. For example, "The agent's identity must "be kept undercover" to ensure their safety".

What are some alternatives to "be kept undercover"?

Consider using phrases like "remain concealed", "stay hidden", or "be kept secret" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each of these has a slightly different emphasis.

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

Yes, "be kept undercover" is grammatically correct. It uses a passive construction, indicating that something is being acted upon to maintain its concealed state.

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

"Be kept undercover" often implies a deliberate effort to hide something within a specific context, like a law enforcement operation. "Be kept secret" is broader and can refer to any information or activity that is not meant to be known publicly.