kept in captivity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept in captivity" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something or someone that is being confined or held in a place against their will. For example, "The tiger was kept in captivity in the zoo for many years."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, this class of model requires many physiological parameters that are difficult to measure for species not easily kept in captivity.

Ecological Modelling

Adults are easily kept in captivity for weeks, and most individuals readily exhibit phonoresponses even in a highly artificial environment.

Plosone

Fork-marked lemurs are rarely kept in captivity, and their captive lifespan can range from 12 to 25 years.

Wikipedia

Bonobos are not often kept in captivity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These birds are kept in captivity, fed and watered regularly.

The New Yorker

Because of their massive size and aggressive nature, they are rarely kept in captivity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's about Tilikum, a performing killer whale being kept in captivity at SeaWorld.

The Guardian - Film

The film also claims that orcas' lifespan is shortened by being kept in captivity.

The Guardian - Film

All that bravery vanishes when a giant bullfrog is kept in captivity.

The New York Times

Should some of the most social, intelligent and charismatic animals on the planet be kept in captivity by human beings?

The New York Times - Science

Most species of parrots have been kept in captivity at one time or another, and most have been bred.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about animals, consider the ethical implications of using the phrase "kept in captivity". It often carries a negative connotation, so choose it intentionally to convey a specific viewpoint or concern.

Common error

Avoid using "kept in captivity" when a more neutral term like "housed" or "raised" would be more appropriate, especially in scientific or factual reporting. For example, if you are writing an encyclopedia entry, avoid using the phrase unless it's relevant to an ethics debate or animal welfare discussion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept in captivity" functions as a passive construction describing the state of being confined. As evidenced by the Ludwig AI analysis, it's grammatically correct and widely used. The phrase often modifies a noun, indicating that the subject is being held against its will or in a controlled environment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

27%

Science

24%

Wiki

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "kept in captivity" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, to describe the state of being confined or held against one's will. Its usage spans across various contexts, from scientific research and news reports to encyclopedic entries, highlighting its versatility. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the ethical implications and potential negative connotations it carries. Alternatives like "held captive" or "confined in captivity" may be more appropriate depending on the intended tone and context. Always strive for clarity and precision in your writing to convey the intended meaning accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

held captive

Focuses on the act of holding someone or something against their will.

confined in captivity

Emphasizes the restriction to a limited space within a captive environment.

in confinement

Highlights the restriction of movement.

imprisoned

Implies a legal or punitive context of being held.

detained

Suggests a temporary holding, often by authorities.

in an enclosure

Highlights the physical boundary restricting movement.

in custody

Refers to being under the control of law enforcement.

in a cage

Specifically denotes being held in a cage.

under lock and key

An idiomatic expression for being securely imprisoned.

domesticated

Implies taming animals and keeping them under human control.

FAQs

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

You can use "kept in captivity" to describe animals in zoos, or individuals imprisoned. For example, "The orca was "kept in captivity" at SeaWorld." or "Wolves that roamed outside the official recovery area were captured and "kept in captivity".

What are some alternatives to "kept in captivity"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "held captive", "confined in captivity", or "in custody".

Is it more appropriate to say "animals housed in zoos" rather than "animals kept in captivity"?

It depends on the intention. "Animals housed in zoos" is a more neutral description, while "animals "kept in captivity"" can imply a critique of the practice.

What are the ethical considerations associated with animals "kept in captivity"?

Ethical discussions often revolve around the quality of life for animals "kept in captivity", including space, social interaction, and mental stimulation, versus the potential for conservation and education.