being kept

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being kept" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being maintained or held in a certain condition or situation. Example: "The documents are being kept in a secure location to ensure their safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

"People are being kept down.

Independent

The amount is being kept confidential.

The New York Times

Yard lights are being kept on.

The New York Times

Ticket prices are being kept below $15.

The Economist

"That promise is being kept today.

The Washington Post

They were being kept as souvenirs.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

No dogs were kept.

The New Yorker

It was kept secret".

The New York Times - Sports

They are kept busy.

The Economist

Opposition is kept invisible.

The Economist

Everything was kept secret".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "being kept", ensure that the subject performing the action of keeping is clearly identified, whether explicitly stated or implied by context.

Common error

Be careful not to create ambiguity by omitting the subject of the action. For example, instead of "The information is being kept", specify who is keeping the information, like "The information is being kept by the committee".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being kept" functions as part of a passive continuous construction. It indicates an ongoing action performed on a subject, rather than the subject performing the action. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "being kept" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction that functions as a passive continuous form. According to Ludwig, it appears most often in news and media contexts, indicating a state of ongoing maintenance, preservation, or concealment. While its register is generally neutral, the phrase can be adapted to suit various writing styles. Be mindful of potential ambiguity, and ensure that the subject of the action is clear to maintain clarity. This analysis, combined with the many examples provided by Ludwig, ensures a comprehensive understanding of this versatile phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being maintained

Focuses on the act of preserving something in its current condition.

being preserved

Emphasizes the act of protecting something from decay or damage.

being stored

Highlights the act of placing something in a specific location for safekeeping.

being concealed

Focuses on the act of hiding something from view.

being retained

Emphasizes the act of holding onto something.

being guarded

Highlights the act of protecting something from harm or theft.

being sustained

Focuses on the act of providing what is needed for something to continue to exist.

being conserved

Emphasizes the careful management of something to prevent depletion.

remaining in custody

Focuses on the act of someone staying confined.

under preservation

Highlights the fact of protecting something from decaying.

FAQs

How can I use "being kept" in a sentence?

You can use "being kept" to describe something that is maintained in a certain state or condition. For example, "The documents are being kept in a secure location", or "The patient is being kept comfortable with medication".

What are some alternatives to "being kept"?

Alternatives include "being maintained", "being preserved", or "being stored", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is "being kept" grammatically correct?

Yes, "being kept" is grammatically correct. It's a present continuous passive construction, indicating an ongoing action performed on a subject.

What's the difference between "being kept" and "was kept"?

"Being kept" indicates an ongoing or continuous action in the present, while "was kept" refers to a completed action in the past. For example, "The data is being kept updated" (ongoing) versus "The data was kept updated last year" (completed).