kept certain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept certain" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts where you want to express that something was maintained or preserved in a specific state of certainty, but it is not commonly used. Example: "He kept certain details of the project confidential to protect sensitive information."

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

It's kept certain parameters.

The New York Times

RULERS have long kept certain powers hidden from their subjects.

The New York Times

You've kept certain sections of Fleet Street afloat for another week.

The Guardian - Opinion

He revealed that he'd kept certain key recordings of the decade (like the epic "Blind Willie McTell") off his albums; they were later released as The Bootleg Series.

Independent

Equally troubling, he told me, was that the D.A.'s office had made — but not kept — certain promises intended to allay his fears about his safety.

The New Yorker

The friction of that process kept certain services, from on-demand grocery delivery to online banking, from evolving in scale and effectiveness.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Their taste keeps certain memories alive.

The New York Times - Magazine

"And you keep certain doors open".

The Guardian - Film

State-sponsored homophobia serves to keep certain power relations intact.

The Guardian

But we should keep certain facts in mind.

The New York Times

The lack of significant distinguishing characteristics keeps certain groups from being classified as minorities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "retained specific" or "maintained particular" for enhanced readability and to avoid repetition if you've used "kept certain" frequently in your text.

Common error

Avoid using "kept certain" in overly casual or informal writing. Simpler phrasing like "held onto some" or "maintained a few" might be more appropriate and natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept certain" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of retaining or preserving something specific. The examples Ludwig provides illustrate its use in contexts where information, conditions, or items are deliberately maintained in a particular state.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "kept certain" denotes the action of maintaining or preserving particular aspects or elements. Ludwig's analysis indicates that while grammatically sound, it's more suited to formal and neutral contexts, appearing most frequently in news and media. The alternatives, such as "retained specific" or "maintained particular", offer similar meanings and can enhance readability. As Ludwig AI notes, ensure clarity in defining what's being "kept" and consider the appropriateness of this phrasing in different writing styles. The Ludwig AI gives neutral feedback for this query meaning that although this query may cause some confusion to the users, it is correct in many contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Preserved specific

Focuses on maintaining something exactly as it is.

Retained specific

Emphasizes holding onto particular items or qualities, highlighting the act of not losing something.

Maintained particular

Focuses on upholding or preserving something in a specific condition or state.

Preserved definite

Highlights the act of protecting something distinct and clear from harm or change.

Safeguarded precise

Stresses the protection of exact details or conditions, ensuring they remain unaltered.

Conserved specific

Implies careful management and preservation of particular resources or aspects.

Upheld defined

Focuses on maintaining established or clearly outlined elements.

Secured distinct

Highlights the act of making particular and unique aspects safe and protected.

Protected individual

Emphasizes the shielding of separate, single entities or details.

Guarded selective

Stresses the careful and strategic protection of chosen aspects.

FAQs

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

You can use "kept certain" to describe the act of maintaining or preserving particular aspects or elements. For example: "The company kept certain information confidential to protect its competitive advantage."

What are some alternatives to using "kept certain"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "retained specific", "maintained particular", or "preserved definite".

Is there a difference between "kept certain" and "maintained certain"?

While similar, "kept certain" suggests a holding or retaining action, whereas "maintained certain" implies an effort to uphold or preserve a specific condition or standard.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "kept certain"?

"Kept certain" is appropriate in formal and semi-formal contexts where you need to emphasize the deliberate act of retaining or preserving specific elements, often with a sense of importance or confidentiality.