it was kept shut

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was kept shut" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something was intentionally closed and not opened, often implying a sense of security or secrecy. Example: "The door was old and creaky, but it was kept shut to prevent any unwanted visitors from entering."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

If the rat chose the HR arm, gate B was kept shut and the rat was detained in the goal arm by closing gate A. After a delay of 5 s gate B was raised, allowing access to the HR.

European Journal of Neuroscience

Disjunction occurred with a brief delay at about 5 min after release, and the average velocity of separation was decreased from 1.1 μm/min when both Plk1 and Cdk1 were active to 0.5 μm/min when Plk1 was kept shut off.

EMBO Journal

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

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

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

The Guardian - Arts

Since June, county and city officials have wrangled not only over whether the road should be kept shut, but over who controls it.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was kept shut" to clearly indicate that something was intentionally closed and maintained in that state. This phrase is effective for conveying a sense of deliberate containment or restriction.

Common error

Avoid using "it was kept shut" when an active voice construction would be more direct and impactful. For example, instead of "The information was kept shut by the company", consider "The company kept the information secret".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was kept shut" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something (the subject "it") was subjected to the action of being closed and maintained in that state. Ludwig AI confirms its general correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was kept shut" denotes a passive construction emphasizing the continuous action of preventing something from being opened. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and usable. Related phrases such as "it remained closed" and "access was restricted" can offer alternative phrasing depending on the desired level of formality. While not particularly common, understanding its function and context is crucial for effective communication. Use it to emphasize deliberate containment. The phrase is best suited for neutral contexts where clear and concise description is valued.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was shut tight

Focuses on the completeness and firmness of the closure.

it remained closed

Focuses on the state of being closed without specifying the action of keeping it that way.

it stayed sealed

Emphasizes the condition of being tightly closed, preventing entry or exit.

it was sealed off

Highlights the action of blocking access to something.

it was locked down

Implies a more secure and controlled closure, often in response to a threat.

it was boarded up

Suggests a temporary closure, usually to protect against damage or intrusion.

it was secured

Focuses on the aspect of making something safe and inaccessible.

it was obstructed

Highlights the action of blocking something, not necessarily closing it completely.

it was blocked off

Emphasizes the action of preventing passage or access.

it was held back

Suggests something was restrained or prevented from progressing, not necessarily physically shut.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was kept shut" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases such as "it remained closed" or "access was restricted" to convey a similar meaning with greater formality.

What does "it was kept shut" imply about the situation?

The phrase "it was kept shut" suggests a deliberate action to prevent something from opening or being accessed, often implying a need for security, secrecy, or control.

Is there a difference between saying "it was kept shut" and "it was closed"?

While both phrases indicate a state of being not open, "it was kept shut" emphasizes the continuous effort or intention to maintain that closed state, whereas "it was closed" simply states the fact of being closed.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "it was kept shut"?

This phrase is appropriate when describing a situation where something, such as a door, a secret, or a system, was intentionally and continuously prevented from being opened or revealed. For example, "The investigation details "it remained confidential"".