kept separate

USAGE SUMMARY

"kept separate" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
You can use it to describe two or more things that are not physically or mentally connected to each other. For example, "The company insisted on keeping the two departments separate, in order to ensure that there was no overlap in their duties."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Things are kept separate here.

The New York Times - Arts

"Some things are best kept separate".

Independent

The two need to be kept separate.

The Guardian

The girls and boys are kept separate.

The New York Times

Religion and politics, he now says, should be kept separate.

The Economist

Similarly, historical and contemporary geography were not kept separate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's also a subtler intermingling of worlds previously kept separate.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The information on pensions is kept separate, in an appendix.

The New York Times

Tissues from different gestational ages were kept separate.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Work is siloed and everything is kept separate.

TechCrunch

These operators' actions were kept separate during the analysis.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "kept separate", ensure that the reason for the separation is clear to the reader. This provides context and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "kept apart" when you specifically mean a deliberate act of separating items or ideas. While "kept apart" can imply separation, "kept separate" emphasizes the intentionality and distinct nature of the separation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept separate" functions as a passive construction indicating a state where two or more entities are intentionally not combined or mixed. Ludwig AI confirms its proper grammatical structure and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "kept separate" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote that items, ideas, or concepts are intentionally not combined. As Ludwig highlights, its usage spans across diverse contexts, from scientific research to news reporting, emphasizing the deliberate act of maintaining a distinction. While alternatives like "maintained apart" or "held distinct" exist, "kept separate" clearly conveys the purposeful separation. Remember to use it when precision and clarity are paramount, especially in formal or technical writing. Avoid confusing it with "kept apart", which lacks the same emphasis on intentionality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintained apart

Emphasizes continuous separation, suggesting an ongoing effort to keep things divided.

held distinct

Highlights the clarity and intentionality of the separation, implying a conscious decision to differentiate.

remained isolated

Focuses on the lack of connection or interaction between the separated entities.

stayed detached

Implies a deliberate avoidance of involvement or connection, often in a more abstract sense.

partitioned off

Suggests a physical or organizational division, often with a barrier or boundary.

segregated

Implies a more formal or systematic separation, often with social or political implications.

differentiated

Focuses on highlighting the differences between things, leading to them being treated separately.

compartmentalized

Suggests dividing something into distinct, self-contained categories or sections.

disunited

Highlights the absence of unity or cohesion between things that were once together.

uncoupled

Implies a removal of a connection or link between two things, allowing them to function independently.

FAQs

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

You can use "kept separate" to describe items or ideas that are deliberately not mixed or combined. For example, "The financial records were "kept separate" to ensure transparency."

What are some alternatives to "kept separate"?

Alternatives include "maintained apart", "held distinct", or "remained isolated", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "kept separate" or "separated"?

While both terms indicate a division, "kept separate" emphasizes the active and intentional effort to maintain the separation. "Separated" is a more general term for something being divided.

In what situations is "kept separate" most appropriate?

"Kept separate" is most appropriate in contexts where the deliberate act of separation is important, such as in scientific experiments, legal agreements, or organizational procedures. For instance, "The control group was "kept separate" from the experimental group to avoid contamination."