may be kept

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be kept" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is allowed to be retained or stored under certain conditions. Example: "Documents containing sensitive information may be kept in a secure location to ensure confidentiality."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A well-kept Creme de Cacao may be kept up to 3 years.

WikiHow

Scores may be kept in writing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Well maintained potted gardens may be kept on patios.

Stanford University

Mules may be kept together in large pens.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Bequests may be kept private, and they can be changed during the donor's lifetime.

Stanford University

That is, the algorithms run for personalization may be kept behind closed doors and are unaccountable.

Columbia University

A woman in large firms may be kept in the background.

The New York Times - Arts

This requires tropical embalming because the body may be kept for longer.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Reptiles may be kept in individual cages in an enclosed reptile house.

Britannica

Leftover sauce may be kept refrigerated for a week or longer.

The New York Times

You may be kept waiting and get less than the allocated time to pitch.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may be kept", ensure the context clearly indicates where or under what conditions the item can be kept. This clarifies the conditions under which the action is permissible.

Common error

Avoid using "may be kept" without specifying the duration or conditions. For example, instead of "records may be kept", specify "records "may be kept" for seven years to comply with regulations".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be kept" functions as an auxiliary verb phrase indicating possibility or permission regarding the action of keeping something. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is common in various contexts. The auxiliary verb 'may' expresses a degree of uncertainty or allowance regarding the state of being kept.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

25%

News & Media

25%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may be kept" is a versatile auxiliary verb phrase used to express permission or possibility regarding the act of retaining something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically sound and widely used across diverse fields, from science and academia to news and media. While generally neutral in register, its formality can shift based on the context, with a slight lean toward professional settings. When using this phrase, clarity is crucial: specify the conditions or duration under which something "may be kept" to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be stored

Indicates possibility and capability of storage, similar to "may be kept" but emphasizes the action of storage.

might be retained

Suggests a possibility of retaining something, which is slightly less definite than "may be kept".

could be preserved

Highlights the aspect of preserving something over time, adding a sense of maintaining its condition.

can be maintained

Emphasizes the aspect of maintaining something in a certain state or condition.

is allowed to be held

Focuses on permission to hold something, rather than just the possibility of keeping it.

is permitted to be retained

Similar to 'is allowed to be held', but more formal and emphasizes official permission.

has the potential to be saved

Emphasizes the potential or ability to save something for later use.

remains able to be secured

Highlights the continuing ability to secure something safely.

has a chance to be stockpiled

Suggests an opportunity for accumulating a quantity of something.

is capable of being warehoused

Indicates the ability to store items in a warehouse or storage facility.

FAQs

How can I use "may be kept" in a sentence?

Use "may be kept" to indicate that something is allowed or possible to be stored or retained. For example, "Leftover food "may be kept" in the refrigerator for up to three days".

What are some alternatives to "may be kept"?

Alternatives include "can be stored", "might be retained", or "could be preserved", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "may be kept" formal or informal?

"May be kept" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The formality often depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall context.

What is the difference between "may be kept" and "must be kept"?

"May be kept" indicates permission or possibility, while "must be kept" indicates obligation or necessity. For example, "Documents "may be kept" for reference" suggests an option, whereas "Documents must be kept for legal reasons" indicates a requirement.