kept in suspense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept in suspense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of uncertainty or anxiety about an outcome, often in storytelling or dramatic contexts. Example: "The movie kept the audience in suspense until the very last moment, leaving them on the edge of their seats."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

We weren't kept in suspense for very long.

The New Yorker

With the film about to hit the big screen, audiences are being kept in suspense.

The Guardian

They are imprisoned, menaced, kept in suspense about which of their captor's personae will show up next, and, over time, stripped down to their underwear.

The New Yorker

The issue of the Golan can no longer be disregarded as a "detail" to be kept in suspense while other issues in the Middle East are attended to.

The Guardian - Opinion

But in a business setting, we hate being kept in suspense.

Forbes

Suffice to say that Corneau has built a better mousetrap, a mystery where the pieces are mostly in plain sight and yet the audience is kept in suspense.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

In the film, one of these spectators is Kurz's childhood sweetheart, and as we watch the events unfold through her eyes, we are kept in nail-biting suspense, rooting for these (Nazi, and thus unlikely) heroes.

HuffPost

My favorites are action movies — something that keeps you in suspense and keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

The New York Times

Cliffhanger endings in his serial publications kept readers in suspense.

Yale University

The movie's formal instability kept us in suspense.

The New Yorker

For four days my mother's breathing kept me in suspense.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use it to describe situations, narratives, or strategies where the deliberate withholding of information heightens interest or tension.

Common error

While "kept in suspense" is perfectly acceptable, overuse in casual conversation can sound overly dramatic. Opt for simpler phrases like "didn't tell me" or "left me wondering" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept in suspense" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that someone or something is the recipient of the action of being suspended or held back from knowing something. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

12%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "kept in suspense" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase that describes a state of uncertainty or anxiety, often used to heighten tension or anticipation. Ludwig shows that it is most commonly found in News & Media contexts and has a neutral register, making it suitable for various writing styles. While it might sound overly dramatic in very casual settings, Ludwig confirms its versatility and appropriateness in a range of contexts, supported by numerous examples from authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In anxious anticipation

Directly conveys the anxious feelings associated with waiting for something.

Awaiting with bated breath

Highlights the anxiety and anticipation while waiting for an important event or outcome.

Held in anticipation

Focuses on the positive aspect of waiting eagerly, whereas "kept in suspense" can imply anxiety.

Waiting with anticipation

Focuses on the expectation of something positive, unlike the anxiety implied by "kept in suspense".

On the edge of one's seat

Emphasizes excitement and anticipation, typically in a viewing context.

On tenterhooks

Highlights extreme anxiety and tension while waiting.

Left in the dark

Emphasizes a lack of information rather than a state of anxious waiting.

In a state of uncertainty

Focuses on the lack of sureness rather than the suspenseful aspect.

In limbo

Suggests a prolonged period of uncertainty without clear progress or resolution.

Dangling

Implies a precarious situation where the outcome is uncertain and potentially negative.

FAQs

How can you use "kept in suspense" in a sentence?

You can use "kept in suspense" to describe a situation where someone is intentionally left uncertain or anxious about an outcome. For example, "The author "kept me in suspense" until the very end of the book".

What does it mean to be "kept in suspense"?

To be "kept in suspense" means to be held in a state of uncertainty, anxiety, or excitement, awaiting further information or a resolution. It implies a deliberate delay or withholding of information that heightens anticipation.

Are there synonyms for "kept in suspense"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "held in anticipation", "left in the dark", or "awaiting with bated breath" to convey a similar meaning, depending on the specific nuance you want to express.

Is "kept in suspense" formal or informal?

"Kept in suspense" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it might sound slightly dramatic in very casual settings. Consider the tone and audience when choosing this phrase.