kept in reserve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept in reserve" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an idea or resource that is not currently being used but is available for future use. For example: "The company kept a few extra computers in reserve, just in case the demand for new computers increased."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

that time was located at Smolensk and kept in reserve in anticipation of better times?

Yale University

They became the researchers' "bank of criers"; a stable of "backup criers" was kept in reserve.

The New York Times - Science

But sanctions should be lifted only gradually, with some prizes kept in reserve.

The Economist

Even where statutory powers of control exist, they have usually been kept in reserve.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The other half are being kept in reserve," one of the sources told Reuters.

The Guardian

Until now, Mr Putin seemed bent on fomenting confrontation in Ukraine with the threat of Russian invasion kept in reserve.

The Economist

Enough to cover three to four months' living expenses was kept in reserve in a money market account.

The New York Times

Mounted units were initially kept in reserve rather than on the front lines of the protest, officials said.

The New York Times

However a cap on these numbers will be kept in reserve if they start to rise sharply.

The Guardian

Hungry people, deprived of yet another harvest, have eaten what little seed they had kept in reserve.

The New York Times

For strategic and budgetary reasons, they need to further reduce the number of deployed weapons and the number kept in reserve.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kept in reserve" to indicate a strategic decision to hold back resources or options for future use, particularly when facing uncertainty or potential challenges. Consider its formal tone when including in less formal communications.

Common error

Avoid using "kept in reserve" in very casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "saved" or "held back" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept in reserve" functions as a descriptive element, often modifying a noun or noun phrase to indicate that something is being held back for future use. As Ludwig AI states, it describes an idea or resource available for later.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

18%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "kept in reserve" is a versatile phrase used to describe resources or options that are strategically held back for future use. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its frequency of use is very common, particularly in news and media, as shown in the Ludwig examples. When writing, it's best to use this phrase in formal contexts; in informal situations, simpler alternatives may be more suitable. This phrase conveys preparedness and strategic planning, making it a valuable addition to a writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on standby

Ready and available for immediate use if needed.

held back

Implies a deliberate withholding of something.

in readiness

Prepared and available when required.

held in readiness

Prepared and kept ready for a specific purpose

set aside

Suggests a specific allocation for future use.

retained for later use

Explicitly indicates a decision to keep something for a future application.

held in abeyance

More formal; implies temporary suspension or inactivity.

stockpiled

Suggests accumulating a supply for future needs.

saved for a rainy day

Idiomatic expression for keeping something for a future time of need.

cached

Stored for quick retrieval or later use, often in a technical context.

FAQs

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

You can use "kept in reserve" to describe resources or options that are not currently being used but are available for future use. For example, "The extra supplies were "kept in reserve" in case of an emergency."

What can I say instead of "kept in reserve"?

Alternatives to "kept in reserve" include "held back", "set aside", or "on standby", depending on the specific context.

Is "kept in reserve" formal or informal?

"Kept in reserve" leans towards a more formal register. In informal settings, simpler terms like "saved" or "held back" might be more suitable.

When is it appropriate to use "kept in reserve"?

It's appropriate to use "kept in reserve" when you want to emphasize a deliberate decision to hold something back for strategic reasons or future needs, rather than using it immediately.