kept apart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'kept apart' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe two or more things that are not together or associated with one another. For example, "The two groups of protesters were kept apart by a line of police officers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Russia and Georgia were also kept apart.

The Guardian - Sport

"Families have been kept apart".

The Guardian

At Harpa the two are kept apart.

The Guardian - Arts

"Why are they kept apart?" I asked.

The Guardian

First, churches are firmly kept apart from the state.

The Economist

But they also have to be kept apart.

Independent

But many families are still being kept apart.

The New Yorker

(Yes, the dogs and cats are kept apart).

The New York Times - Arts

The players had to be kept apart by coaches.

The New York Times - Sports

Suffering young lovers are kept apart by class and tragedy.

The New York Times

Church and state, she figured, were better kept apart.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "kept apart", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being separated and the reason for the separation. Clarity is key to effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "kept apart" in overly simplistic sentences where a more direct verb like "separated" would suffice. This enhances sentence flow and avoids unnecessary wordiness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept apart" functions as a passive verb phrase. It describes a state where two or more entities are maintained in a separated condition. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, from physical separation to conceptual distinctions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "kept apart" is a versatile and commonly used passive verb phrase that denotes separation or distance between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct and is found in various contexts, most frequently in News & Media and Scientific publications. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being separated and the reason for the separation to ensure clarity. While similar phrases like "separated" or "isolated" exist, "kept apart" often implies a deliberate or enforced separation. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for both formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintained separately

Focuses on the act of maintaining a separation, suggesting an ongoing effort.

held separate

Implies a more formal or deliberate act of separation.

isolated from each other

Emphasizes the isolation resulting from the separation.

segregated

Often used when the separation is based on specific criteria, like race or religion.

sectioned off

Suggests a physical division or partitioning.

distanced

Implies a decrease in closeness or connection, either physically or emotionally.

partitioned

Often indicates division into distinct parts or sections.

divorced from

Indicates a complete separation, often with negative connotations.

cordoned off

Refers to creating a barrier to keep something or someone separate.

quarantined

Suggests a separation due to health concerns or potential contamination.

FAQs

How can I use "kept apart" in a sentence?

You can use "kept apart" to describe physical separation, such as "The protesters were "kept apart" by police barricades", or conceptual separation, like "Church and state should be "kept apart"".

What are some alternatives to "kept apart"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "kept apart" include "separated", "isolated", "segregated", or "distanced".

Is it correct to say "keep apart" instead of "kept apart"?

"Keep apart" is the infinitive form, while "kept apart" is the past tense. Use "keep apart" for general statements or instructions, and "kept apart" when describing a past action or state.

What is the difference between "kept apart" and "kept separate"?

While similar, "kept apart" can imply a greater distance or a more active effort to maintain the separation. "Kept separate" is more general and simply indicates that items or people were not together.