must be kept

USAGE SUMMARY

'must be kept' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it in sentences when you want to express a strong requirement or obligation. For example, "All confidential documents must be kept in a secure location."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These processes must be kept isolated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"A promise must be kept," he said.

The New York Times

These people must be kept in line.

The New York Times

Third, new entrants must be kept out.

The Economist

"Despair must be kept private and brief".

The Guardian - Film

Some griefs must be kept private.

The Guardian

Second, the Queen must be kept above it all.

Independent

8. Sometimes other groups must be kept in their place.

The New York Times

It must be kept in good working order.

The Economist

The door to new ideas must be kept open.

The Guardian

The bond-cap pledge "must be kept", he said.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "must be kept" to express an obligation, ensure the context clearly defines who is responsible for the action. For instance, "The data must be kept confidential by all employees."

Common error

While "must be kept" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In less formal settings, consider using alternatives like "needs to be kept" or "should be kept" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must be kept" functions as a modal passive construction. It expresses a strong obligation or requirement that something needs to be maintained or preserved. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Huffington Post

5%

Forbes

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "must be kept" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey a strong obligation or necessity. Ludwig AI confirms this. It commonly appears in News & Media and Scientific contexts, conveying requirements or rules. While alternatives like "needs to be maintained" or "should be preserved" exist, the choice depends on the desired nuance and level of formality. When using "must be kept", ensure the context clarifies who is responsible for the action and be mindful of the formal tone it conveys. Recognizing these nuances helps writers use the phrase effectively and avoid common pitfalls.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has to be maintained

Indicates a requirement for continuous upkeep, rather than just a single instance of keeping.

needs to be maintained

Emphasizes the ongoing care and attention required to keep something in a specific condition, rather than a one-time action.

has to stay protected

Highlights the necessity of continuous protection.

should be preserved

Focuses on maintaining something in its original state, often for historical or cultural reasons.

needs safeguarding

Emphasizes the protection from potential harm or threats.

is required to be upheld

Highlights the necessity of supporting or defending a principle or standard.

it's imperative to maintain

Emphasizes the critical importance of ongoing maintenance.

must remain intact

Focuses specifically on the condition of being whole and undamaged.

it's essential to preserve

Indicates that preservation is crucial and of utmost importance.

should remain unaffected

Focuses specifically on keeping something unchanged by an external force or influence.

FAQs

How do I use "must be kept" in a sentence?

Use "must be kept" to express a strong obligation or necessity. For example, "All records "must be kept" for seven years".

What are some alternatives to "must be kept"?

Alternatives include phrases like "needs to be maintained", "should be preserved", or "has to be maintained", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "must be kept" and "should be kept"?

"Must be kept" indicates a stronger obligation or requirement than "should be kept". "Should be kept" implies a recommendation or suggestion, while "must be kept" implies a firm rule or necessity.

Is "must be kept" appropriate for all types of writing?

While grammatically correct, "must be kept" can sound formal. Consider the context and audience. In informal settings, alternatives like "needs to be" or "has to be" might be more suitable.