kept silent

USAGE SUMMARY

"kept silent" is a correct phrase that can be used in written English.
It is usually used to refer to someone not saying anything for a given reason. For example: Joe knew his friend was in trouble, but he kept silent out of loyalty.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I kept silent.

The New York Times

Many others kept silent.

The New Yorker

He kept silent.

The New York Times - Sports

McEnroe kept silent.

The New York Times - Magazine

Otis Chandler kept silent.

The New York Times - Magazine

Losers kept silent.

The Guardian - Film

I just kept silent.

The Guardian

One person, though, "kept silent".

The Guardian - Books

Maybe that's why he kept silent yesterday.

The New Yorker

I was embarrassed but kept silent.

The New York Times - Magazine

The press knew but kept silent.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing dialogue, use "kept silent" to create suspense or reveal a character's internal conflict. This shows the character's unwillingness to speak, rather than simply stating they didn't speak.

Common error

Avoid using "kept silent" when a simpler "was silent" or "didn't speak" would suffice. "Kept silent" implies a conscious effort to remain quiet, not just an absence of speech. Be careful not to apply this to situations where someone is simply not present or has no opportunity to speak.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "kept silent" is as a verb phrase, typically serving as the predicate of a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing a subject's conscious choice or state of not speaking. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and frequently used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "kept silent" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression indicating a deliberate decision not to speak. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a correct and frequently used phrase. Its usage spans diverse contexts, particularly within news and media, science, and encyclopedias. While alternatives exist, "kept silent" implies a conscious effort to withhold information, making it distinct from simpler expressions like "was silent". When using "kept silent", consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and ensure it aligns with the context of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remained quiet

Focuses on the state of being quiet, emphasizing a lack of noise or disturbance.

maintained silence

Emphasizes the continuation of a silent state.

held one's tongue

Emphasizes restraint and a conscious effort not to speak.

stayed mum

An informal idiom emphasizing secrecy and refusal to speak.

kept mum about

Indicates maintaining secrecy about a specific topic.

refrained from speaking

A more formal way of saying someone chose not to speak.

chose not to disclose

Focuses on the decision to withhold information.

did not utter a word

Highlights the complete absence of spoken communication.

concealed the information

Highlights the act of hiding information, which implies not speaking about it.

stonewalled

Suggests a deliberate refusal to cooperate or provide information, often in a political context.

FAQs

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

You can use "kept silent" to describe someone who deliberately chose not to speak, as in "Despite the pressure, she "kept silent" about the affair."

What does "kept silent" imply?

"Kept silent" suggests a conscious decision to not speak, often indicating discretion, loyalty, or fear. It emphasizes the active choice to withhold information or opinions.

What are some alternatives to "kept silent"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "remained quiet", "stayed mum", or "held one's tongue" to convey a similar meaning.

Is there a difference between "kept silent" and "remained silent"?

While both indicate a lack of speech, "kept silent" often implies a more deliberate and sustained effort to not speak, whereas "remained silent" can simply describe a state of being quiet without necessarily implying a conscious choice.