keep shtum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep shtum" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to instruct someone to remain silent or not to disclose information. Example: "When it comes to the surprise party, please keep shtum about the details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

But once a film enters popular consciousness, you can't be expected to keep shtum for ever.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He insists it wouldn't be in his nature to keep shtum about his frustrations.

The Guardian - Film

For their part, some British diplomats seemed at first to be hoping that the CPS would keep shtum.

The Economist

It was so tiny, with just a handful of seats, that the question was: write about it or keep shtum?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In the original California gold rush, thousands of prospectors scoured the San Gabriel mountains for nuggets, a scramble marked by rivalry and secrecy: see a gleam, keep shtum.

The Guardian

It's not a decision that anyone makes lightly, but whatever her reason was, her decision to keep shtum, pretty much sticking her finger up to the press leeches, is the one that matters most.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

When Coel discovered they were church-run, she kept shtum.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I think early on I just kept shtum.

The Guardian - Tech

This is a novel related by a mother and her two teenage children (dad keeps shtum).

The Guardian - Books

Having kept shtum during the casting process, Schumer obviously felt she needed to respond to the people criticising her body.

The Guardian - Opinion

Tony Blair famously said he had kept shtum about his belief in God when in office in case he was taken for a "nutter".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep shtum" when you want to emphasize the need for secrecy or discretion, particularly in informal contexts. It's more impactful than simply saying "be quiet".

Common error

Avoid using "keep shtum" in formal or professional settings. Opt for more neutral phrases like "remain silent" or "maintain confidentiality" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "keep shtum" is as an idiomatic verb phrase, typically used as an imperative. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it instructs someone to remain silent or not disclose information. It often implies a request for discretion or secrecy.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep shtum" is an idiomatic verb phrase meaning to remain silent or not disclose information. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English, primarily in informal contexts, and is commonly found in news and media. When a more formal tone is needed, alternatives like "remain silent" or "maintain confidentiality" are more suitable. The expression is used to emphasize discretion and secrecy, and its informal nature should be considered when choosing the appropriate register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep silent

This is a more formal and direct way of saying "keep shtum".

remain silent

Similar to "keep silent", this emphasizes a continued state of silence.

say nothing

This alternative is a simple and direct way to mean the same.

stay quiet

This alternative is more casual and general, applicable in a wider range of situations.

hold your tongue

This idiomatic phrase suggests restraining oneself from speaking.

not breathe a word

This emphasizes secrecy and discretion.

keep it to yourself

This focuses on not sharing information with others.

zip your lip

A very informal and direct command to be silent.

clam up

This suggests becoming suddenly silent, often due to nervousness or reluctance.

button your lip

Similar to "zip your lip", this is an informal way to tell someone to be quiet.

FAQs

What does "keep shtum" mean?

The phrase "keep shtum" means to remain silent or not disclose information, especially about something sensitive or secret.

How can I use "keep shtum" in a sentence?

You might say, "If I tell you this, you have to promise to "keep shtum" about it."

What are some alternatives to "keep shtum"?

Alternatives include "keep silent", "remain silent", or "stay quiet", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "keep shtum" formal or informal?

"Keep shtum" is generally considered an informal expression. It is best used in casual conversation or writing, rather than in formal or professional settings.