kept since

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept since" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has been maintained or preserved from a specific point in time up to the present. Example: "The records have been kept since 2010 to ensure accuracy and accountability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Perhaps a letter that you've kept since childhood?

The Guardian

He referred to the notes that his wife had kept since then.

The New York Times - Magazine

Her books are banned here, and the blog she has kept since 2005 is currently blocked.

The New York Times

It focused on Vanderbilt's search for love, drawn in part from the diary she had kept since childhood.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After her diagnosis, she concentrated more on her journal, which she has kept since she was a teenager.

The New York Times

None of the posts or photos on his profile hint at the horrifying secret he kept since 2002 in his dilapidated Cleveland home.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

In state records kept since 1980, there had never been comparable participation in an August primary.

The New York Times

The most extensive database is in California, where a record of racehorse deaths has been kept since 1990.

The Guardian - Sport

More than 14,000 illegal migrants have been caught and sent back, according to police records kept since 1992.

The New York Times

When the last drop had been counted, Sunday was the fifth rainiest day in Central Park, where weather records have been kept since 1869.

The New York Times

And during a recent visit to his studio in Red Hook, Brooklyn, which he's kept since 1993, he seemed excited about his return.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kept since" to clearly indicate that something has been continuously maintained or preserved from a specific point in time. This emphasizes the duration and consistency of the action or state.

Common error

Avoid using "kept since" when you mean a one-time action in the past. "Since" implies a continuous state, so ensure the context supports ongoing maintenance rather than a single event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept since" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating duration. It specifies the starting point from which something has been maintained or preserved, highlighting continuity. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in describing records, traditions, and possessions maintained over time. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "kept since" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression indicating duration from a specific point in the past to the present. Ludwig examples reveal its common usage in news, media, and scientific contexts. The phrase is generally neutral in register, and while 'maintained since' might be preferable in formal contexts, it remains a versatile choice. Ludwig AI validates its usability, making it a reliable option for expressing continuity and preservation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintained from

Focuses on the act of active preservation.

preserved since

Emphasizes safeguarding something from deterioration or change.

retained since

Highlights the holding or keeping of something.

held since

Similar to "retained since" but can also imply possession.

conserved from

Implies careful management and protection.

in place since

Emphasizes the continuous existence or effect from a specific time.

effective since

Focuses on the start date of an active policy or rule.

valid since

Highlights ongoing validity or legitimacy.

operative since

Refers to something being in operation or function from a specific point.

existing since

Simple statement that something has been in existence continuously from the given time.

FAQs

How do I use "kept since" in a sentence?

Use "kept since" to indicate that something has been continuously maintained or preserved from a specific point in time. For example, "The records have been "maintained since" 2010."

What can I say instead of "kept since"?

You can use alternatives like "maintained from", "preserved since", or "retained since" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "kept since" or "kept from"?

"Kept since" implies continuous preservation from a point in time, while "kept from" means prevented. They have distinct meanings and aren't interchangeable. For example, "The documents have been "stored since" 1990" versus "He was kept from entering the building."

What's the difference between "kept since" and "maintained since"?

"Kept since" and ""maintained since"" are very similar. "Maintained since" emphasizes active upkeep, whereas "kept since" can imply a more passive state of preservation, but they are largely interchangeable in many contexts.