kept behind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept behind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something or someone is being held back or not allowed to move forward. Example: "The students who did not complete their assignments were kept behind after class for extra help."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Stringent federal standards are great, but why does No Child Left Behind have to mean "every gifted child kept behind"?

The New York Times

Whitman came off as cold, controlling, scripted -- especially among women voters, who were kept behind for further questioning.

Huffington Post

They will be kept behind a waterfall.

Independent

where everything will be kept behind partitions.

The New Yorker

At home, he is kept behind heavy curtains.

Columbia University

That is, the algorithms run for personalization may be kept behind closed doors and are unaccountable.

Columbia University

Inside, awaiting an appeal, he seems to be kept behind bars reluctantly.

Independent

At Gracie Mansion, sugary soda is now kept behind the bar.

The New York Times

Rifles are kept behind the counter, and ammunition gets stored in a low cabinet.

The New Yorker

About 20 brands of un-infused tequilas, including several añejo varieties, are kept behind the bar.

The New York Times

The state ranks near the very top for the percentage of its people kept behind bars.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kept behind" to describe situations where someone or something is intentionally prevented from progressing or being seen. For example, "The truth was kept behind layers of deception."

Common error

Avoid using "kept behind" when "left behind" is more appropriate. "Kept behind" implies intentional action, while "left behind" suggests accidental omission or being forgotten. Consider the intent behind the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept behind" primarily functions as a passive verb phrase. It's often used to describe a state where someone or something is being intentionally held back or concealed, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "kept behind" is a versatile verb phrase signifying intentional restriction, delay, or concealment. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in news and academic contexts. While alternatives like "held back" and "retained" exist, "kept behind" uniquely emphasizes the deliberate act of preventing progress or revelation. When employing this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the intention to hold back or conceal, differentiating it from unintentional omission. With its wide usage and clear meaning, "kept behind" remains a valuable tool for precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Held back

Focuses on the action of preventing forward movement or progress, similar to "kept behind".

Retained

Emphasizes the act of maintaining something in its current position or state, subtly different from actively "keeping behind".

Left behind

Highlights the state of being forgotten or abandoned, differing in connotation from intentional containment.

Sheltered

Implies protection or concealment, adding a layer of safety that "kept behind" does not always convey.

Concealed

Focuses solely on hiding from view, removing the aspect of controlling movement or progress.

Delayed

Emphasizes postponing or slowing down progress, not necessarily involving physical positioning.

Suppressed

Suggests active prevention of expression or advancement, more forceful than "kept behind".

Restrained

Indicates controlled or limited action, differing from the physical or positional implication of "kept behind".

Under wraps

Highlights the act of keeping something secret or private, with no necessary implication of being physically behind.

Out of sight

Indicates something is not visible, removing any sense of restriction or delay.

FAQs

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

You can use "kept behind" to indicate that something or someone is being intentionally held back or not allowed to progress. For example, "The new evidence was "kept behind" closed doors during the investigation".

What are some alternatives to "kept behind"?

Alternatives include "held back", "retained", or "left behind", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "being kept behind"?

Yes, "being "kept behind"" is grammatically correct and commonly used in passive voice constructions. For example, "The less experienced team members are being "kept behind" for additional training."

What is the difference between "kept behind" and "left behind"?

"Kept behind" usually implies a deliberate action of holding someone or something back, while ""left behind"" suggests being forgotten or abandoned. The key difference lies in the intention behind the action.