kept secret

USAGE SUMMARY

"kept secret" is grammatically correct and is commonly used in written English.
It means something that is intentionally not revealed or shared with others. Example: The company's plans for expansion were kept secret until the official announcement. In this sentence, "kept secret" is used to describe the action of intentionally not revealing the plans for expansion. It could also be written as "kept confidential" or "kept private."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

It was kept secret".

The New York Times - Sports

Everything was kept secret".

The New York Times

The proceedings are kept secret.

Independent

Most adoptions were kept secret.

The New York Times

Casualty figures were kept secret.

The New Yorker

It's a poorly kept secret.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

"It's Stockholm's best-kept secret".

The New York Times - Travel

"Best-kept secret".

The New York Times

It's almost a well-kept secret.

Independent

"They're a well-kept secret," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

— Jane's the best-kept secret in town!

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sensitive topics, use "kept secret" to underscore the intentional act of concealing information, which adds depth and clarity to your narrative.

Common error

While "kept secret" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations. Opt for more informal alternatives like "hush-hush" or "under wraps" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept secret" functions primarily as a past participle phrase functioning adjectivally, modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes something that has been intentionally concealed or not revealed. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

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 secret" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe information or actions that are intentionally concealed. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its prevalence in diverse contexts, notably news, science, and general writing. When using "kept secret", be mindful of its connotations, as it can imply sensitivity, security, or even manipulation. Alternatives like "remained undisclosed" or "maintained in confidence" offer nuanced ways to convey secrecy, while avoiding overuse in informal settings can maintain a natural tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remained undisclosed

Focuses on the state of not being revealed, emphasizing the lack of disclosure.

held back from disclosure

Emphasizes the act of preventing information from being revealed.

maintained in confidence

Highlights the act of preserving confidentiality and trust.

not brought to light

Focuses on preventing information from becoming public knowledge.

concealed from view

Emphasizes the act of hiding something from being seen or known.

covered up

Suggests a deliberate effort to hide something, often with negative connotations.

hidden from sight

Focuses on the physical act of hiding something.

withheld from public knowledge

Emphasizes that information is intentionally not shared with the public.

bottled up

Implies suppressing emotions or information internally.

hush-hush

Informal term suggesting a high level of secrecy and discretion.

FAQs

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

You can use "kept secret" to describe information or actions that were intentionally concealed, like "The details of the negotiation were "kept secret" from the public."

What are some alternatives to "kept secret"?

Alternatives include "remained undisclosed", "held back from disclosure", or "maintained in confidence", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

What's the difference between "kept secret" and "confidential"?

"Kept secret" emphasizes the act of concealing information, while "confidential" describes the nature of the information as private and not intended for general knowledge. Information can be confidential but not necessarily "kept secret" if it's openly shared within a limited group.

Is it always negative when something is "kept secret"?

Not necessarily. While "kept secret" can imply mistrust or manipulation, it can also be necessary for security, privacy, or strategic reasons. The connotation depends heavily on the context in which the phrase is used.