kept quiet

USAGE SUMMARY

"kept quiet" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to remain silent or keep something secret. One example of using "kept quiet" in a sentence could be: "The teacher kept the test results quiet until after class, to avoid causing any unnecessary stress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

So Grady kept quiet.

The New York Times

Witte kept quiet.

The New Yorker

People kept quiet.

The Guardian - Sport

She kept quiet herself.

The New Yorker

So he kept quiet".

The New York Times

Pierce kept quiet that day.

The New York Times

Under Qaddafi, they kept quiet.

The New Yorker

Instead, he had kept quiet.

The Economist

Michael Atherton, sensibly, kept quiet.

Independent

They want everything kept quiet.

The New York Times

I just kept quiet.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kept quiet" when you want to emphasize the act of remaining silent about something specific, potentially indicating secrecy or restraint. For instance, "He "kept quiet" about his promotion to avoid jealousy among his colleagues."

Common error

Avoid using "kept quiet" when you mean to convey that something was actively concealed. "Kept quiet" suggests remaining silent, while "kept secret" implies active concealment. For example, say "The details of the project were "kept secret"" rather than "The details of the project were "kept quiet"" if you mean to imply deliberate concealment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept quiet" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating a state or action of remaining silent. It is often used to describe someone's deliberate choice not to speak or reveal information. As Ludwig suggests, it's a commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "kept quiet" is a versatile and frequently used expression signifying the act of remaining silent or not disclosing information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Its versatility allows for use in various contexts, ranging from News & Media to scientific and informal settings. When writing, remember that "kept quiet" emphasizes remaining silent, distinct from actively concealing, as is the case when something is "kept secret". Understanding these nuances ensures accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remained silent

Emphasizes a continuous state of not speaking or making noise.

maintained silence

Similar to remained silent, but can imply a more formal or deliberate choice.

didn't say a word

A straightforward way of stating that someone made no verbal contribution.

stayed mum

Informal way of saying someone didn't reveal information or speak up.

kept mum

Informal way of saying someone didn't reveal information or speak up.

held their tongue

Suggests a deliberate effort to avoid speaking, often to prevent conflict.

refrained from speaking

Highlights a conscious decision not to verbalize thoughts or opinions.

withheld comment

Implies a conscious decision not to provide an opinion or statement.

abstained from commenting

Formal way of saying one chose not to make a statement or express an opinion.

bottled up

Suggests that someone is repressing emotions or thoughts and keeping them inside, relating to a sentiment of silence.

FAQs

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

You can use "kept quiet" to describe someone who remained silent about something, like: "She "kept quiet" about the surprise party to maintain the secret" or "The company "kept quiet" about the potential merger during negotiations".

What is a more formal alternative to "kept quiet"?

More formal alternatives include "remained silent" or "refrained from speaking". These options are suitable for professional or academic contexts where a higher level of formality is required.

Is "kept quiet" the same as "kept secret"?

No, "kept quiet" means to remain silent, while "kept secret" implies active concealment. "He "kept quiet"" suggests he didn't say anything, while "He "kept secret"" means he actively hid something.

What does it mean when someone "keeps quiet" about something?

When someone "keeps quiet" about something, it means they choose not to speak or reveal information about it. This can be due to various reasons, such as maintaining confidentiality, avoiding conflict, or protecting someone else.