shall be kept

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'shall be kept' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to express that something is expected to remain in its current condition or state. For example: "All documents pertaining to this project shall be kept confidential."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A transcript shall be kept of any oral presentation.

Cornell University

Sufficient redundancy and reserve shall be kept to preserve sufficient resilience, but the question that rises is how.

Reliability Engineering & System Safety

(A Laboratory doors shall be kept closed when work involving HIV or HBV is in progress.

Cornell University

This check list shall be kept at the job site for duration of the job.

Cornell University

This permit shall be kept at the job site for the duration of the job.

Cornell University

Animal Feed: Animal feed shall be kept separate from any and all sources of ignition or other flammable material.

University of California, Berkeley

Rather, both "shall be kept in the field till they are exhausted, when we will make a compromise and save slavery".

The New York Times

THE SHIRT shall be kept in a lofty oak room, heated to exactly forty-seven degrees, and (lightly!) moistened with Derbyshire rainwater at hourly intervals.

The New Yorker

Ninety per cent of the talk is not how people shall be brought together, but of the fascinating details of how they shall be kept apart.

The New Yorker

(d) All written prescriptions and written records of emergency oral prescriptions shall be kept in accordance with requirements of § 1304.04(h) of this chapter.

Cornell University

A verbatim record shall be kept of all proceedings before the Hearing Panel (and, in proceedings under Para. 7, the hearing examiner or tribunal).

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shall be kept" in formal or legal contexts where a directive tone is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "shall be kept" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for more natural alternatives like "should be kept" or "needs to be kept" to maintain a suitable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shall be kept" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing obligation or requirement. It indicates that something must be maintained or preserved in a specific condition. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

36%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shall be kept" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate that something must be maintained or preserved. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is commonly found in formal and legal contexts, where its directive tone is most appropriate. While highly functional in professional settings, it's best to avoid it in casual or informal communication, opting for alternatives like "should be kept" or "needs to be maintained" when a less forceful expression is warranted. The phrase is particularly prevalent in academic, news, and business domains, emphasizing its role in conveying requirements across authoritative and regulated environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must be maintained

Emphasizes obligation but uses a different modal verb and focuses on maintenance.

should be preserved

Suggests a recommendation rather than a strict requirement, focusing on preservation.

is to be retained

Formal alternative, highlighting the act of keeping something secure or in its possession.

needs to be stored

Focuses on the action of storage rather than the state of being kept.

has to be secured

Highlights the security aspect of keeping something safe.

will be safeguarded

Indicates a future action of protecting something, emphasizing safety.

ought to be conserved

Suggests a moral obligation to protect something, focusing on conservation.

is required to be held

Emphasizes a mandatory aspect of keeping something in possession.

should be archived

Implies keeping something for historical or record-keeping purposes.

must be protected

Focuses on the act of protection rather than just the state of being kept.

FAQs

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

Use "shall be kept" to express a requirement or obligation for something to remain in a specified condition. For example, "All records "shall be kept" confidential."

What can I say instead of "shall be kept"?

You can use alternatives like "must be maintained", "should be preserved", or "is to be retained" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "shall be kept"?

"Shall be kept" is most appropriate in formal, legal, or official contexts where a directive or obligatory tone is required. In casual contexts, consider using softer alternatives like "should be kept".

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

"Shall be kept" indicates a strict requirement or obligation, whereas "should be kept" suggests a recommendation or advisability. The former implies a stronger level of enforcement.