being kept closed

USAGE SUMMARY

"being kept closed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an action that is happening or being maintained over a period of time. For example, "The school has been kept closed due to the coronavirus pandemic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

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

The Guardian

Many other nuclear power plants are being kept closed as Japan rethinks its nuclear policy, leading to concerns about a power crisis this summer, when energy use peaks.

The New York Times

But there are plenty of false alarms, and the lack of transparency fuels Palestinian suspicions that some of the closures are political especially since Haaretz, an Israeli newspaper, published minutes of a defence ministry meeting suggesting that the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt was being kept closed to put pressure on Gazans.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The name autoclave indicates a self-closing vessel with internal pressure sealing its joints, but many autoclaves are kept closed by external mechanical means.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The bladders, or traps, are hollow underwater structures with a flexible door or valve that is kept closed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This means the rear door will have to be kept closed when the bus is in motion.

The Guardian

I disagree with your conclusion in "Caution on West Lake Drive" (editorial, June 20) that the road over the Kensico Dam should be kept closed.

The New York Times

The eye was kept closed for 7 days, after which each kitten had amblyopia.

Science Magazine

During the experiment, they could only consume food and water prepared in the chamber and the door of the chamber was kept closed.

International Journal of Coal Science & Technology

In particular, buttons, fasteners and zippers shall be kept closed.

Wikipedia

This social setting was required because if the door to the chamber were kept closed the juveniles stopped begging.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "being kept closed" to describe a situation where something is actively maintained in a closed state, such as "The investigation meant that the road was "being kept closed" to the public."

Common error

Avoid using "being kept closed" when a simpler passive form like "is closed" or "remains closed" is more appropriate. "Being kept closed" implies an ongoing action of maintaining closure, not just a static state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being kept closed" functions as a passive continuous construction. It describes an ongoing action where something is actively maintained in a closed state. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

38%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being kept closed" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe an ongoing action of maintaining a closed state. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, although it's relatively rare. The phrase appears in diverse contexts, notably in science and news media, indicating a neutral register. When using "being kept closed", ensure you're emphasizing the continuous nature of the closure rather than just a static condition. Avoid overusing it when simpler passive forms suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remaining shut

Focuses on the state of closure without necessarily implying an active effort to maintain it.

staying closed

Emphasizes the continuation of the closed state over time.

being maintained in a closed position

More formal and emphasizes the act of maintaining the closure.

remaining sealed

Suggests a more secure and complete closure, often implying airtightness.

being held shut

Implies an external force is actively preventing opening.

being actively shut

Highlights the active process of keeping something closed.

being deliberately kept closed

Emphasizes the intentionality behind maintaining the closed state.

being consistently closed

Highlights the regularity and persistence of the closed state.

being always closed

Implies a constant state of closure without exception.

being securely fastened

Focuses on the method of closure and its reliability.

FAQs

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

"Being kept closed" describes a continuous action of maintaining a closed state. For example, "Due to safety concerns, the amusement park ride is "being kept closed" until further notice."

What phrases are similar to "being kept closed"?

Alternatives include "remaining shut", "staying closed", or "being maintained in a closed position". Each carries a slightly different nuance regarding the active or passive nature of the closure.

When is it appropriate to use "being kept closed" instead of "is closed"?

"Being kept closed" emphasizes the ongoing effort or process of maintaining closure, whereas "is closed" simply describes the current state. Use "being kept closed" when you want to highlight that the closure is actively managed or enforced.

What is the difference between "being kept closed" and "being kept close"?

"Being kept closed" refers to something physically remaining in a shut position, whereas "being kept close" refers to maintaining proximity or secrecy. For example, "The details of the negotiation are "being kept close" to avoid disrupting the process."