kept in secret

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept in secret" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means to keep something hidden or confidential. Example: The details of the new project were kept in secret until the official announcement.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Under dynastic rule, the private affairs of the monarch are public spectacles, while the affairs of state are kept in secret.

The Guardian - Opinion

The CIA recently admitted that its agents had used torture, including water-boarding of Mr Mohammed, to obtain evidence from suspects kept in secret prisons as part of its "high-value terrorist interrogation programme".

The Economist

• The Wendover site sits on salt flats east of the Utah-Nevada border, most of it a 20th-century ruin moldering behind a fence, including the hangar where the Enola Gay was kept in secret.

The New York Times - Arts

The act, which states that animal owners must prevent "unnecessary suffering" and must take "all reasonable steps to meet their animal's needs", is hard to enforce as most pet primates in the UK are kept in secret.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Yes, even the degree to which proceedings should be kept in secret is a secret, leaving the public and media chained in a Plato's Cave, able only to glimpse the shadows of reality.

The Guardian - Opinion

"He wanted the stuff to go back," said Mr. Akinsha, who together with Mr. Kozlov wrote a book documenting the estimated $65 billion worth of cultural objects still kept in secret Russian depositories.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"I had a patient who demanded from us to keep in secret the fact that he is in our hospital.

BMC Medical Ethics

(ME) "I had a patient who demanded from us to keep in secret the fact that he is in our hospital.

BMC Medical Ethics

They were kept in a secret location for two weeks before they were released in April.

The New York Times

Dozens more are kept in the secret "trophy room" because of agreements with the companies.

The New York Times

They were kept in a secret green room until the show was over and the theater was cleared.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "kept in secret", ensure the context clearly indicates who is keeping the information secret and from whom it is being withheld. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "kept in secret" when the information is simply not widely known, but not actively concealed. Instead, use it when there is a deliberate effort to maintain secrecy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept in secret" functions as a participial phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that something is being concealed or hidden. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. The examples provided by Ludwig show it describing places, plans, details or other sensitive information.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

29%

Wiki

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "kept in secret" is grammatically sound and serves to emphasize the intentional act of concealing information. Ludwig AI confirms the accuracy of the phrase. Appearing most frequently in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral to formal tone. When using the phrase, ensure the context clarifies who is maintaining the secrecy and from whom. Alternatives such as "held confidentially" or "remained undisclosed" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. Avoid using "kept in secret" when information is simply not widely known rather than actively concealed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

held confidentially

Focuses on the confidential nature of the information.

remained undisclosed

Emphasizes that the information was not revealed.

maintained privately

Highlights the private nature of the information.

concealed from view

Implies that the information was deliberately hidden.

hidden from the public

Specifically indicates the information was not for public knowledge.

shrouded in mystery

Suggests an element of intrigue and obscurity.

under wraps

An idiomatic expression for keeping something secret.

classified information

Highlights the restricted access to the information, often in a formal context.

off the record

Indicates that the information is not intended for official reporting.

behind closed doors

Suggests secretive discussions or actions.

FAQs

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

You can use "kept in secret" to describe information or activities that are intentionally concealed. For example: "The details of the negotiation were "kept in secret" to avoid jeopardizing the deal."

What is a good alternative to "kept in secret"?

Alternatives include "held confidentially", "remained undisclosed", or "maintained privately". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "keep in secret" or "kept in secret"?

"Kept in secret" is the past participle form, used when describing a state or completed action. "Keep in secret" is the imperative form, used to instruct someone to maintain secrecy. For example, "They "kept in secret" the location", versus "Keep in secret what you know."

What does it mean when something is "kept in secret"?

When something is "kept in secret", it means that it is deliberately hidden or concealed from others, often to protect sensitive information or maintain confidentiality.