kept off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has been prevented from being accessed or used, often in the context of keeping someone away from a place or keeping something from being used. Example: "The area was kept off limits to ensure the safety of the workers during the construction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

I have kept off about 10 pounds.

The New York Times

He was kept off the Presidential ballot.

The New Yorker

All this time Johnson's name was kept off the ballot.

The New Yorker

So much is kept off limits these days.

The New Yorker

Their other first line we've kept off the board.

The New York Times - Sports

There was evidence of activities being kept off the record.

The Guardian

At O.NOIR in Montreal, the lights are kept off.

The New York Times - Tech

East had to be kept off the lead.

The New York Times

But commanders do not have that authority with private firearms kept off base.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Would-be bombers must be kept off-balance.

The New York Times

Doing it as nature intended, though, is kept off-screen.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal contexts, consider whether a more precise verb like "excluded" or "prevented" might be more appropriate to the specific meaning you intend.

Common error

A common mistake is confusing "kept off" with similar-sounding phrases. Ensure you intend to convey a sense of prevention, avoidance, or maintenance at a distance, rather than simple possession or location.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept off" functions as a phrasal verb, specifically the past tense and past participle of the verb 'keep off'. It primarily indicates the action of preventing something from reaching a certain state or location, or maintaining a separation. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is mostly related to preventing something from being accessed or used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

11%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "kept off" is a versatile phrasal verb indicating prevention, exclusion, or maintaining distance. It's grammatically sound, as supported by Ludwig AI, and widely used in news, science, and general writing. While generally neutral in tone, more formal contexts might benefit from more precise alternatives like "excluded" or "prevented". Remember, as a writing tip, to avoid ambiguity by stating clearly the subject being kept off. Also, note that most examples are from authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, indicating its reliability in various contexts. So, use "kept off" confidently, keeping in mind the subtle nuances of prevention and exclusion it conveys.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stayed away from

Focuses on the act of remaining distant, emphasizing avoidance.

avoided

Highlights the action of preventing contact or engagement.

remained clear of

Emphasizes maintaining a safe distance from something.

held back from

Highlights the action of restraining or preventing access.

warded off

Implies a more active defense against something undesirable.

excluded from

Focuses on being left out or denied access.

dissuaded from

Emphasizes the act of convincing someone not to do something.

deterred from

Highlights the prevention of an action through fear or doubt.

blocked from

Focuses on the obstruction of access or progress.

diverted from

Emphasizes changing the course or direction away from something.

FAQs

How can I use "kept off" in a sentence about health?

In health-related contexts, "kept off" often refers to maintaining weight loss or avoiding certain foods. For instance, "She "kept off the weight" by exercising regularly" or "He "kept off sugar" to manage his diabetes".

What does it mean to say someone was "kept off" the ballot?

When a candidate is "kept off" the ballot, it means they were prevented from being listed as a choice in an election, often due to legal or procedural reasons. This is different from someone choosing to withdraw their candidacy.

Is it better to use "kept off" or "stayed away from"?

The choice between "kept off" and "stayed away from" depends on the context. "Kept off" implies a more active prevention or exclusion, while "stayed away from" suggests personal avoidance. For example, "The topic was kept off the agenda" versus "I stayed away from the drama".

What is an alternative to "kept off" in a formal context?

In formal settings, consider using more precise terms like "excluded from", "prevented from", or "prohibited from" depending on the intended meaning. For example, instead of "The information was kept off the record", you could say "The information was excluded from the official record".