is kept secret

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is kept secret" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is intentionally not disclosed or made known to others. Example: "The details of the project are kept secret to protect our competitive advantage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is kept secret because of the "emergency conditions".

Cornell University

Even the date of the announcement is kept secret.

The New York Times

But the size of those discounts is kept secret.

The New York Times

DR. SAUTER: Were these accounts really treated confidentially, that is, kept secret?

Yale University

The private key is kept secret lest malefactors pilfer one's purse.

The Economist

Traditionally, the identity of the final torchbearer is kept secret until the big moment arrives.

The New York Times

It also means the identity of the owners of the estate is kept secret.

The Guardian

The officer works under cover, meaning that his true identity is kept secret from the public.

The Washington Post

However, most cloud services are proprietary, and the technology used to run them is kept secret.

MIT Technology Review

Few estimates of their membership, which is kept secret, exceed 1,000 per sons.

The New York Times

The tree's exact location is kept secret to prevent overzealous tourism.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is kept secret", consider the reason for secrecy. Is it for security, privacy, or strategic advantage? Clarifying the motive can add depth to your writing.

Common error

While "is kept secret" is grammatically sound, overuse of the passive voice can make writing seem vague. Consider rephrasing to highlight who or what is keeping the information secret for a more direct and engaging style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is kept secret" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that a piece of information or an object is being intentionally concealed or not revealed. As Ludwig AI shows, the phrase is commonly used to describe situations where confidentiality is maintained.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is kept secret" is a grammatically sound and very common passive verb phrase used to convey that information is intentionally concealed. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and prevalence across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science. While neutrally formal, its specific register aligns with its surrounding context. When writing, it’s helpful to consider the reasons for the secrecy. While effective, writers must avoid overusing the passive voice and look at active voice alternatives for better directness and clarity. Alternative word choices include "is not disclosed", "is concealed", and "is held back".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not disclosed

Focuses on the act of not revealing information, emphasizing a lack of transparency.

is concealed

Highlights the act of hiding or covering something up, implying a deliberate effort to keep it hidden.

is held back

Emphasizes the withholding of information, suggesting a controlled release or prevention of access.

is kept private

Highlights the intention to maintain confidentiality and personal control over the information.

remains unrevealed

Stresses that something has not yet been disclosed, implying a possibility of future revelation.

is shrouded in secrecy

Suggests an atmosphere of mystery and deliberate concealment surrounding the subject.

is under wraps

Implies that information is being kept secret until a specific time or event.

is not made public

Emphasizes the exclusion of the general population from accessing the information.

is classified

Indicates that the information has been officially designated as secret for security or strategic reasons.

is known only to a few

Highlights the limited number of people who have access to the information.

FAQs

How can I use "is kept secret" in a sentence?

You can use "is kept secret" to describe information that is intentionally not revealed. For example, "The location of the meeting "is kept secret" for security reasons."

What are some alternatives to "is kept secret"?

Alternatives include "is not disclosed", "is concealed", or "is held back", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "is kept secret" and "is confidential"?

"Is kept secret" implies a deliberate act of hiding something, while "is confidential" suggests that information is shared with a limited group under the agreement that it won't be disclosed further.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when saying something "is kept secret"?

While "is kept secret" is passive, using an active voice construction (e.g., "They keep it secret") can sometimes make your writing more direct and impactful. However, the passive voice is appropriate when the actor is unknown or unimportant.