kept mute

USAGE SUMMARY

"kept mute" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe someone who is not speaking, either because they want to or because they are not allowed to. For example, "The witness was kept mute, their testimony unable to be heard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Wang kept mute on the subject.

The New Yorker

Knowing for sure that Mr. Barak had read "March of Folly," I started wondering why he kept mute about the direction Israel is taking toward a binational state.

The New York Times

I think they should all be kept mute one day and sit in a low autism class as a student, listening to baby talk and the weather.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The state plans to appease its critics by allowing private landowners to apply for permits to keep mute swans on their property, provided they prevent the birds form roaming elsewhere.

Independent

He seems to prefer that we keep mute and spend additional billions on missile defense while North Korea becomes a full-blown nuclear power, which could trigger similar programs in South Korea and Japan.

The New York Times

Those deaf to facts and logic speak loud enough to keep mute those who actually know.

Huffington Post

She kept the mute silence of a soothsayer.

The New Yorker

But they have kept eerily mute regarding the bloody stifling of dissent in Syria, Iran's sole Arab ally.Yusuf al-Qaradawi, the Egyptian-born star preacher on the Al Jazeera satellite channel, has proved a powerful cheerleader for protest movements everywhere.

The Economist

Adele's other victory came when she stepped to the microphone and sang a robust version of her hit "Rolling in the Deep," which suggests that she is past the career scare of throat surgery that came just after Halloween and kept her mute through New Year's Day.

Los Angeles Times

Chaplin decided to keep him mute and instead created a soundtrack using recorded sound effects and a fabulous score.

The Guardian

"One night, Joe Howard, the maitre d', who had warned me to keep the mute in, was busy, and I thought he wasn't listening, so I played one chorus open.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kept mute" when you want to emphasize that someone actively chose to remain silent, or was forced to do so, despite having the ability to speak.

Common error

Avoid using "kept mute" when describing someone who is permanently unable to speak. "Mute" in that context refers to a physical condition, not a temporary state of silence. Instead, use it to describe a deliberate or imposed silence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept mute" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the act of maintaining silence. It suggests a state where someone does not speak, either by choice or necessity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "kept mute" is a grammatically correct way to express that someone remained silent, either by choice or circumstance. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, although the phrase is relatively rare. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts. Related phrases include "remained silent" and "stayed quiet", which offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. While not incorrect, be mindful of using it to refer to temporary rather than a permanent state. It's more formal than informal and use cases are better suited for descriptive contexts where the state of silence must be emphasized.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remained silent

Emphasizes the continuation of silence over a period.

stayed quiet

Focuses on the act of maintaining silence.

held one's tongue

Highlights the conscious effort to avoid speaking.

refrained from speaking

Indicates a deliberate choice not to speak.

kept mum

Informal way of saying someone remained silent, often about a secret.

did not utter a word

Emphasizes the complete absence of speech.

said nothing

Simple and direct way of stating the absence of speech.

maintained silence

Highlights the act of actively preserving silence.

kept schtum

British slang for keeping silent, especially about something secret.

kept still

Suggests physical stillness in addition to silence.

FAQs

What does "kept mute" mean?

The phrase "kept mute" means to remain silent, either voluntarily or because one is compelled to do so. It suggests a conscious decision or requirement not to speak.

What are some alternatives to "kept mute"?

Alternatives to "kept mute" include "remained silent", "stayed quiet", or "held one's tongue", each conveying a slightly different nuance of silence.

Is it grammatically correct to say "kept mute"?

Yes, "kept mute" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English grammar rules and is used in published writing, though it is not the most common way to express the idea of remaining silent.

How do I use "kept mute" in a sentence?

You can use "kept mute" to describe someone who deliberately or circumstantially remained silent. For example: "The witness "remained silent" about the incident, fearing retribution."