being kept close

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being kept close" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is being maintained in proximity or under careful observation. Example: "The secrets of the organization are being kept close to ensure confidentiality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

But their contingency plans are being kept close to hand.

The Economist

But their contingency plans are being kept close to hand.West Africa already has enough problems without an overreaction to the Ebola crisis.

The Economist

Additional details are being kept close to the chest, though.

TechCrunch

Or are the cards being kept close to Mercedes' chest?

BBC

It's been more than a week since we noted the impending announcement of a new Palm OS-based PDA from Garmin, the company best known for its Global Positioning System equipment, and speculated on some of the details that were still being kept close to Garmin's vest.

Forbes

Unfortunately, much of the logistics are being kept close to the vest.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The ride was being kept closed while the park and authorities carried out an investigation.

The Guardian

This operation point must be kept close to resonance regardless of external perturbations.

Journal of the European Ceramic Society

The optical engine design was kept close to that of a serial four-cylinder engine.

Proceedings of the Combustion Institute

Bags and loved ones should be kept close at all times.

The Guardian - Travel

But some of the most valuable information, about things like health and children, needs to be kept close.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "being kept close" to describe information, ensure the context clearly indicates who is keeping the information close and why. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "being kept close" in extremely casual conversation or informal writing where simpler phrases like "held back" or "hidden" might be more appropriate. This maintains a natural tone and avoids unnecessary formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being kept close" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that something or someone is the recipient of the action of being kept or maintained in proximity or under careful control. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being kept close" is a passive verb phrase that suggests discretion, protection, or confidentiality. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and usable in a variety of contexts, although less common in casual speech. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Scientific content. When writing, be mindful of the context and purpose, and consider if simpler alternatives would be more effective in informal scenarios. Using this information effectively will enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being guarded closely

This alternative suggests protection and vigilance in keeping something safe.

being zealously guarded

This alternative implies protection with passion and determination.

being held securely

This alternative emphasizes the physical aspect of keeping something or someone safe.

being diligently protected

This emphasizes protection with care and effort.

being sheltered securely

This alternative highlights the act of protecting something from harm or exposure.

being retained securely

This highlights the act of maintaining control and preventing loss or leakage of something important.

being watched carefully

This suggests a close observation to ensure safety or confidentiality.

being closely supervised

This alternative emphasizes that someone is being actively monitored.

being closely managed

This alternative emphasizes the active control and supervision involved.

being confidentially maintained

This alternative highlights a commitment to privacy and discretion in handling information or plans.

FAQs

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

You can use "being kept close" to describe information that is confidential, like in the sentence, "The details of the negotiation "are being kept close" to avoid disrupting the process." It can also refer to a person who is under supervision, as in "The suspect "is being kept close" by the authorities."

What does "being kept close" mean?

"Being kept close" generally means something is being closely guarded, protected, or not revealed to many people. It can refer to physical proximity or the withholding of information.

What are some similar phrases to "being kept close"?

Similar phrases include "being guarded closely", "being held securely", or "being closely managed" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "being kept close" or "being held close"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "being kept close" often implies confidentiality or protection of information, while "being held close" more often suggests physical proximity or affection. The best choice depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.