have been kept

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been kept" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is an example of the perfect tense and is used to refer to a completed action in the past. Example: The documents and records of the investigation have been kept in the archives.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

None have been kept.

The New York Times

Foreigners have been kept out.

The Economist

Journalists have been kept from the scene.

The Economist

Because humans have been kept out.

The New York Times

It should have been kept confidential.

The New York Times

These players have been kept busy.

The New York Times - Arts

"Families have been kept apart".

The Guardian

The donors have been kept anonymous.

The New York Times

Interest rates have been kept low.

The Guardian

Verizon and Tennis Channel's differences have been kept much quieter.

The New York Times

The Turks have been kept waiting for decades.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have been kept", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being maintained or preserved, and why. Clarity is key to effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "have been kept" when a simpler past tense would suffice. Overusing the perfect tense can make your writing sound stilted. For example, instead of "The secret have been kept for years", consider "The secret was kept for years" if the timeframe is already established.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been kept" functions as a verb phrase in the present perfect passive voice. It indicates that an action of keeping was completed at some point in the past and its effects continue to the present. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

39%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have been kept" is a versatile construction in the present perfect passive voice, widely employed across various contexts to indicate a sustained condition resulting from a past action. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage is grammatically sound and frequently observed in both formal and informal communication. Common contexts include News & Media and Scientific writing. Pay attention to the subtleties in meaning when selecting related phrases like "have been maintained" or "have been preserved". Remember to avoid overuse and ensure that the chosen tense accurately reflects the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been maintained

Focuses on the act of preserving or upholding something in its current state.

have been preserved

Emphasizes protecting something from decay or damage.

have been retained

Highlights the act of keeping something without losing it.

have been held

Indicates a state of possession or confinement.

have been protected

Focuses on shielding something from harm or danger.

have been conserved

Emphasizes careful management to prevent depletion.

have been sustained

Highlights the act of providing what is needed to continue or survive.

have been guarded

Indicates protection against unwanted access or attention.

have been stockpiled

Emphasizes the accumulation of something for future use.

have been secured

Focuses on making something safe and protected from risk.

FAQs

How can I use "have been kept" in a sentence?

You can use "have been kept" to indicate that something has been maintained or preserved over a period of time. For example, "The records "have been kept" in the archives for historical purposes".

What are some alternatives to using "have been kept"?

Alternatives include phrases like "have been maintained", "have been preserved", or "have been retained". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "has been kept" instead of "have been kept"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "has been kept" with singular subjects (e.g., "The secret has been kept"), and "have been kept" with plural subjects (e.g., "The secrets "have been kept"").

What's the difference between "have been kept" and "were kept"?

"Have been kept" implies a continuing state resulting from a past action, whereas "were kept" simply describes a past action. For example, "The animals "have been kept" in good condition" suggests they are still in good condition. "The animals were kept in cages" simply states a past fact.