kept secrets from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept secrets from" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of withholding information from someone or a group of people. Example: "She kept secrets from her friends, not wanting to burden them with her problems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

RYAN FITZGERALD Man on the Town It is not that Ryan Fitzgerald kept secrets from his family, but as the oldest of three children who had just found his own place in Manhattan, he was savoring some newfound independence.

The New York Times

We never kept secrets from each other but I'm glad I kept this one.

Vice

(p. 387) Hence, from the start of the Kennedy Administration Dulles kept secrets from his new boss.

Huffington Post

I was embarrassed that my mother knew I kept secrets from her, things I thought she shouldn't know.

Huffington Post

Of course, she kept secrets from most of them but as long as they were happy and everyone was getting paid, what did it matter?

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The arrangement was kept secret from his wife until 2004.

The New York Times

The arrangement was kept secret from the fund's board of directors and other investors.

The New York Times

It was kept secret from everyone at the Post except a few top editors and executives.

The New Yorker

Phones are often exchanged as gifts and kept secret from the family, he said.

The New York Times

"Would this be kept secret from your mother?" "Yeah," the boy said.

The New Yorker

Grand jury proceedings are kept secret from the defense, and witnesses are not cross-examined.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "kept secrets from", ensure the context clearly indicates who is withholding information and from whom. This clarifies the dynamic of secrecy.

Common error

Avoid phrasing such as "Secrets were kept from him", which can obscure who was responsible for maintaining the secrecy. Instead, use active voice: "She kept secrets from him" to highlight the actor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept secrets from" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a transitive verb followed by a noun phrase and a preposition. It describes the action of intentionally withholding information from someone. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "kept secrets from" is a grammatically sound verb phrase indicating the act of withholding information. While relatively uncommon, as indicated by Ludwig, it is used in a variety of contexts, mainly across News & Media and Science, to describe situations where information is deliberately concealed. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. To enhance clarity in writing, use the active voice to specify who is keeping secrets from whom. Alternatives such as "withheld information from", "concealed the truth from", and "hid the facts from" offer similar meanings with slight variations in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

withheld information from

Emphasizes the act of holding back information.

concealed the truth from

Highlights the act of hiding the truth.

hid the facts from

Focuses on hiding factual information.

did not disclose to

Emphasizes a lack of revelation.

remained silent about

Highlights the act of staying quiet regarding the topic.

failed to inform

Focuses on the omission of informing.

kept under wraps from

Implies a secretive effort to hide something.

maintained secrecy from

Highlights the maintenance of a secret.

covered up from

Suggests an attempt to obscure or disguise something.

held back from

Emphasizes the act of restraining information.

FAQs

How can I use "kept secrets from" in a sentence?

You can use "kept secrets from" to describe someone withholding information from another person or group. For example, "He "kept secrets from" his family about his financial troubles".

What is a good alternative to "kept secrets from"?

Alternatives include "withheld information from", "concealed the truth from", or "hid the facts from". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "kept secrets from" or "withheld information from"?

Both "kept secrets from" and "withheld information from" are valid. "Kept secrets from" implies a deliberate act of concealment, while "withheld information from" might suggest a more passive omission. The correct choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "kept secrets from" and "lied to"?

"Kept secrets from" means withholding information, while "lied to" means stating something untrue. You can "keep secrets from" someone without actively lying, and you can lie without necessarily keeping secrets.