being kept shut

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being kept shut" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is being held in a closed position or not allowed to open, often referring to doors, windows, or containers. Example: "The door was being kept shut to prevent the cold air from entering the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Retractable roofs are being kept shut to keep out the hint of chill and keep in the noise.

The New York Times

But the ousted dictator, his wife, Michele, their four children, his mother and several other people are still being kept shut up in the hotel here, apparently to make their presence in the country as unobtrusive as possible.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It was perhaps better that the black box be kept shut.

The Guardian - Arts

Even the slot on each cell door is kept shut, meaning that inmates see little beyond their solitary cell.

The New York Times

I remember him saying that he had allowed a door to open within himself that had been kept shut before.

The Guardian - Books

The last five cars on each 10-car train were kept shut at certain times between midnight and 6 30 a.m.

The New York Times

Tens of thousands of children are being kept inside school buildings this hot summer, where some wear masks even though the windows are kept shut.

The New York Times

A surprise announcement is made over a weekend, and all deposits are redenominated in new drachmas while banks are kept shut.

The Economist

It said all banks would be kept shut until after the referendum on 5 July and withdrawals from cash machines would be limited to €60 – about £40.

The Guardian

We are left to infer that everything probably would have still been O.K. if only the gates had been kept shut.

The New Yorker

It said all banks would be kept shut until after the referendum on 5 July and that withdrawals from cash machines would be limited to €60 – about £40.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "being kept shut" to describe a deliberate action to maintain a closed state. This works well for doors, windows, and metaphorical concepts like secrets or information.

Common error

While "being kept shut" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Consider if an active voice construction (e.g., "They kept the door shut") would be more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being kept shut" functions as a passive construction, typically used to describe a state or condition resulting from an action performed by an unspecified actor. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being kept shut" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the condition of something being intentionally maintained in a closed state. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While relatively infrequent, its usage spans various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. When using "being kept shut", consider whether an active construction might be more impactful and be mindful of overusing passive voice. Alternatives like "remaining closed" can be more concise in certain situations. The choice depends on the desired emphasis and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remaining closed

Focuses on the state of closure rather than the action of keeping something shut.

staying sealed

Implies a more secure or airtight closure.

being held closed

Highlights the active effort to maintain closure.

remaining fastened

Suggests a closure involving a fastener.

being maintained in a closed state

A more formal and verbose way of expressing the same idea.

not being opened

Focuses on the absence of an opening action.

being secured shut

Emphasizes the security aspect of the closure.

being firmly closed

Highlights the strength or force behind the closure.

being blocked off

Implies something is preventing access.

being withheld from opening

Focuses on the act of preventing something from opening.

FAQs

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

You can use "being kept shut" to describe something that is actively prevented from opening or is maintained in a closed state. For example, "The information was "being kept shut" from the public."

What is a more concise alternative to "being kept shut"?

Alternatives like "remaining closed" or "staying sealed" can provide a more direct and economical way to express the same idea, depending on the context.

Is "being kept shut" formal or informal language?

The phrase "being kept shut" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more concise alternatives might be preferred in formal writing.

When should I use "being kept shut" instead of "being shut"?

"Being kept shut" emphasizes the ongoing action of maintaining the closed state, whereas "being shut" simply describes the state of being closed. Choose "being kept shut" when the act of prevention or maintenance is important.