keeps mum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keeps mum" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone is remaining silent or not revealing information. Example: "Despite the pressure from the media, the politician keeps mum about the scandal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Back in the park, Petit keeps mum.

The Guardian - Film

Even Israel, which keeps mum about its bombs, is now being named and (Egypt hopes) shamed.

The Economist

When it comes to how, exactly, he wooed her, she smiles and keeps mum.

The New York Times

In this incendiary, revolutionary household, Shepherd keeps mum and lets louder egos roar, just as he did on Isla Pixol.

The New York Times - Books

Cave of Forgotten Dreams, however, gives us a subject so arresting in itself that, for the most part, Herzog keeps mum and simply observes.

Independent

God keeps mum in "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946), communicating with his angel Clarence with blinking stars -- a kind of Tinkerbell Tetragrammaton.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Mr. Rumsfeld himself, who is famous for keeping his own counsel, also kept mum.

The New York Times

We have to keep mum.

The New Yorker

The French carmaker kept mum.

The Economist

Who had the willpower to keep mum?

The New York Times

The Hells Angels kept mum.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keeps mum" when you want to indicate that someone is intentionally refraining from revealing information or commenting on a sensitive topic. It adds a touch of informal emphasis to the act of remaining silent.

Common error

Avoid using "keeps mum" in formal or academic writing where a more neutral term like "remains silent" or "declines to comment" would be more appropriate. The phrase is best suited for journalistic or informal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keeps mum" functions as a verbal phrase, typically acting as the predicate of a clause. Ludwig AI indicates it describes the action of intentionally remaining silent or not divulging information. Examples in Ludwig show it used in contexts where someone is expected to speak but chooses not to.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keeps mum" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of intentionally remaining silent or not revealing information. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While acceptable, it leans towards the informal side, suggesting that more formal alternatives like "remains silent" might be preferable in certain settings. Understanding these nuances ensures effective and contextually appropriate communication. The provided examples from Ludwig highlight the phrase's versatility in describing deliberate silence across various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remains silent

Focuses on the act of not speaking, emphasizing a general lack of vocalization.

stays quiet

Highlights maintaining a state of silence, often in response to a specific situation.

remains tight-lipped

Implies a deliberate withholding of information, suggesting secrecy or discretion.

holds one's tongue

Suggests a conscious effort to avoid speaking, often to prevent saying something inappropriate.

refrains from speaking

Emphasizes the act of consciously avoiding making utterances.

keeps a secret

Highlights the act of maintaining confidentiality about something.

doesn't breathe a word

Is an idiom that emphasizes complete silence and secrecy, promising to avoid any mention of something.

says nothing

A simple statement of not making any comment or utterance.

declines to comment

Used in formal settings to politely refuse to provide information or an opinion.

is unavailable for comment

Is a more formal way to say they won't provide a comment on something, often used by public figures.

FAQs

How can I use "keeps mum" in a sentence?

You can use "keeps mum" to describe someone who is intentionally silent about a particular topic. For example: "Despite the rumors, the CEO "keeps mum" about the company's future plans."

What are some alternatives to "keeps mum"?

Alternatives include "remains silent", "stays quiet", "remains tight-lipped", or "declines to comment". The best choice depends on the context and level of formality.

Is "keeps mum" formal or informal?

"Keeps mum" is generally considered informal. In more formal contexts, it's better to use phrases like "remains silent" or "refuses to disclose".

What does it mean when someone "keeps mum"?

When someone ""keeps mum"", it means they are intentionally refraining from speaking or revealing information about something, often a sensitive or controversial topic.