for safekeeping

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for safekeeping" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is being kept in a safe place to protect it from loss or damage. Example: "I left my important documents with my lawyer for safekeeping while I travel abroad."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For safekeeping.

The New Yorker

third person for safekeeping.

University of California, Berkeley

"I left it with you for safekeeping".

The New Yorker

"We put them in our basement for safekeeping.

The New York Times

I gave my translator my notebooks and folders, for safekeeping.

The New Yorker

Later, it was taken to the German countryside for safekeeping.

University of California, Berkeley

She gave it to her mother for safekeeping.

The Washington Post

"Some paintings were clearly deposited at the museum for safekeeping.

The New York Times - Arts

The estate of Andy Warhol donated his films for safekeeping.

The New York Times

He asked her to hold a briefcase "for safekeeping".

The New York Times

Nor, to Laura's anguish, are they copied for safekeeping.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When entrusting valuables or sensitive information to someone, use "for safekeeping" to clearly communicate your intention for them to protect it from harm or loss. This phrase adds a layer of formality and expectation of care.

Common error

Avoid assuming that using the phrase "for safekeeping" automatically transfers all liability for loss or damage. Clarify the extent of responsibility with the person or entity entrusted with the item to prevent future disputes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for safekeeping" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the purpose or reason for an action. As Ludwig AI suggests, it denotes the intention of keeping something safe.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

23%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Forbes

6%

Huffington Post

3%

Functional Linguistics

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "for safekeeping" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express the intention of protecting something from harm or loss. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly used across diverse contexts, ranging from news reports and academic writing to everyday conversations. Its function is to modify a verb, clarifying the reason behind an action - that of ensuring security. While its formality level is neutral, it implies a deliberate act of entrusting something to a secure place or person. Remember that while using the phrase implies the expectation of care, clearly define the responsibilities of the entrusted party. By analyzing Ludwig's numerous examples, you can confidently and accurately use "for safekeeping" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for protective custody

Emphasizes the act of taking someone or something into custody for their own protection.

for secure storage

Focuses on the security aspect of keeping something in a protected location.

for secure holding

Similar to secure storage, but implies a temporary arrangement.

for custodial care

Suggests a more formal arrangement where someone is responsible for the item's well-being.

in a safe place

A simple and direct alternative, suitable for informal contexts.

under protection

Highlights that the item is being actively protected from harm.

in trust

Indicates that the item is being held with a sense of responsibility and confidence.

in preservation

Highlights the effort to maintain something in its original condition.

in retention

Emphasizes the act of keeping or retaining something

for preservation purposes

More explicitly states the purpose of preserving something.

FAQs

How can I use "for safekeeping" in a sentence?

You can use "for safekeeping" to indicate that something is being kept in a safe place to protect it from loss, damage, or theft. Example: "I left my jewelry with my mother "for safekeeping" while I traveled."

What are some alternatives to using "for safekeeping"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "for protection", "for secure storage", or "in trust" as alternatives to "for safekeeping".

Is it correct to say "I gave it to them for safekeeping purposes"?

While grammatically correct, "for safekeeping purposes" can sound redundant. It's generally more concise and effective to simply say "I gave it to them "for safekeeping"".

What's the difference between "for safekeeping" and "in custody"?

"For safekeeping" implies protecting something from potential harm or loss. "In custody", on the other hand, suggests that something is being held under legal or official authority, often implying restriction or control. You keep valuables "for safekeeping", while the police hold evidence in custody.