kempt

USAGE SUMMARY

"kempt" is a valid and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is tidy and well groomed, such as "Tom always looked kempt in his sharp suits".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

FROM the carefully kempt lawns of Miramar, a posh clifftop district of Luanda, diplomats and oil executives can gaze on hungry people down the hill sifting through rubbish bins and homeless children bathing in huge potholes.

The Economist

The hedges are more kempt, the golden stone buildings more immaculate, even the grass looks greener.

Independent

Bees buzz nearby as we stroll across the impeccably kempt grass.

Independent

Out of the blue, another man near the desk, this one calm, handsome, kempt, with a gaze that telegraphs a quick intelligence, suddenly strips down, too, and speaks to the deranged man as though they were kindred spirits.

The New Yorker

"There's one where the tourists visit that's well kempt.

The New Yorker

He was noticeably kempt, in pressed slacks and a crisp blue button-down shirt — a Sam Spade of semantics.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

SLIGHT, well-kempt and dressed in khakis and a powder-blue shirt, the man sitting in the dock cut the image of a schoolteacher.

The Economist

Just like every other wave of street fashion, grunge flowed into the mainstream, with designers such as Marc Jacobs and Karl Lagerfeld offering their very un-grungy customers dresses that pretended to be ill-kempt and dishevelled.

The Economist

SLIGHT, well-kempt in grey trousers and a powder-blue shirt, the man in the dock cut the image of an ageing schoolteacher.

The Economist

She is determined to make the whole neighborhood bloomNand bloom it has done for two summers, in a haphazard, near-wild, semi-kempt way.

The New Yorker

Clump of very well-kempt salt-and-pepper hair.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kempt" to describe a state of neatness that results from deliberate effort, especially in personal appearance or the maintenance of a space. For example, "a kempt garden" or "kempt hair".

Common error

Avoid using "kempt" interchangeably with words like "kept" or "attempted". "Kempt" specifically refers to neatness and order, while "kept" is the past tense of "keep", and "attempted" means tried. Using the wrong word can change the meaning of your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The word "kempt" functions primarily as an adjective, describing the state of being neat, tidy, and well-maintained. Ludwig AI confirms its valid usage in English. Examples show it modifying nouns like "lawns", "hedges", and "hair", indicating a quality of orderliness and care.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "kempt" is a valid English adjective used to describe something neat, tidy, and well-maintained. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. It's grammatically correct and commonly found in News & Media. While synonyms like "tidy" or "well-groomed" are more common, "kempt" adds a nuanced emphasis on deliberate effort in maintaining order. As "kempt" isn't frequently used, the guidance provided aims to help writers use it effectively and avoid common mistakes such as using similar sounding words. The word is most often seen in neutral to formal registers, as supported by the authoritative sources provided by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

well-groomed

Focuses on the grooming aspect, suggesting a polished and cared-for appearance.

tidy

Emphasizes the orderliness and lack of messiness.

neat

Highlights the cleanliness and precision in appearance.

well-kept

Suggests regular maintenance and care.

spruce

Implies smartness and tidiness in dress or appearance.

immaculate

Indicates flawless cleanliness and order.

shipshape

Refers to a state of perfect order and readiness.

orderly

Stresses the systematic arrangement and organization.

trim

Highlights neatness and precision, often related to physical appearance.

well-ordered

Emphasizes a state of being systematically and neatly arranged.

FAQs

How can I use "kempt" in a sentence?

"Kempt" is used to describe something that is neat, tidy, and well-maintained, especially in appearance. For example, "His hair was always neatly "kempt"" or "The garden was "kempt" and orderly."

What is a good synonym for "kempt"?

Good synonyms for "kempt" include "well-groomed", "tidy", "neat", or "well-kept". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What does it mean if something is described as ill-kempt?

Ill-"kempt" means the opposite of "kempt"; it describes something that is untidy, unkempt, and poorly maintained.

Is "kempt" a common word in modern English?

While "kempt" is a valid word, it's not as commonly used as synonyms like "tidy" or "well-groomed". It is often found in formal writing or when emphasizing a deliberate effort to maintain neatness.