did not keep well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "did not keep well" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something, typically food or a product, that has deteriorated in quality or freshness over time. Example: "The leftovers from last week's dinner did not keep well, and I had to throw them away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Morality did not keep well......

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

There, in the sunshine and heat, the bodies didn't keep well, especially when they'd been lying around for a few days.

The Guardian

"I do not keep well too.

The New York Times

Cornbreads tend to be crumbly in texture and do not keep well.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Use the same day: this sauce does not keep well, even when refrigerated.

The New York Times - Food

This should be done in dry weather, the seed kept in a well-ventilated place away from damp; broadleaved seeds do not keep well in long-term storage (apart from oak, sweet chestnut and sycamore, which can be kept).

Wikipedia

Quick pickled vegetables do not keep well.

WikiHow

This dish does not keep well in the refrigerator.

WikiHow

These supplies do not keep well after you open them.

WikiHow

As the seeds do not keep well, plant them immediately in a pot of their own.

WikiHow

Like many bulk food items, coffee does not keep well in extremely cold or hot temperatures.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the shelf life of perishable goods, use "did not keep well" to clearly indicate that the item spoiled or deteriorated quickly.

Common error

Avoid using "did not keep well" when the deterioration is due to improper storage rather than the inherent nature of the item. Instead, clarify the storage conditions. For example, instead of saying "the food did not keep well", say "the food spoiled because it wasn't refrigerated promptly."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "did not keep well" functions primarily as a descriptive statement. It indicates that something deteriorated or spoiled relatively quickly. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "did not keep well" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the quick deterioration of something, often food or perishable items. Ludwig AI validates its usability across various contexts. It is suitable for both formal and informal communication, although more specific terms might be necessary in specialized fields. Consider alternatives like "spoiled quickly" or "went bad" depending on the context. When using the phrase, ensure the deterioration wasn't due to improper storage, clarifying the cause of the spoilage instead.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

did not preserve well

Highlights the failure to maintain the original state or quality.

spoiled quickly

Focuses on the rapid deterioration of something, typically food.

went bad

A common and direct way to express that something has become unusable due to decay.

deteriorated rapidly

Emphasizes the quick decline in quality or condition.

lost its freshness

Specifically refers to the loss of freshness, typically in the context of food.

decomposed quickly

Implies a breakdown of organic matter.

degraded swiftly

Similar to deteriorated rapidly, but with a slightly more formal tone.

degenerated quickly

Suggests a decline from a higher to a lower state.

lacked durability

Emphasizes the inherent inability to last or remain in good condition.

did not age well

Focuses on the negative changes that occur over time.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "does not keep well"?

It means that the item, often food or another perishable good, deteriorates or spoils relatively quickly, losing its desired qualities or becoming unusable.

How can I use "did not keep well" in a sentence?

You can say, "The fresh berries I bought at the market "did not keep well", and I had to throw them out after only a couple of days."

What are some synonyms for "did not keep well" when describing food?

Alternatives include "spoiled quickly", "went bad", or "lost its freshness".

Is "did not keep well" a formal or informal expression?

"Did not keep well" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though more precise language might be preferred in highly technical or scientific writing.