should be kept

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be kept" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a type of modal verb phrase that expresses a suggestion or advice. Example: All sensitive information should be kept confidential.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Who should be kept alive?

The New York Times - Books

"The Isrealites especially should be kept out".

The New York Times

Historical sites should be kept as museums".

The New York Times

The wines should be kept moderately chilled.

The New York Times

Once opened, they should be kept refrigerated.

The New York Times - Food

It should be kept private".

The New York Times

Such records should be kept current.

Stanford University

Any such documentation should be kept confidential.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

PUHL: That it should be kept secret?

Yale University

That should be kept private, not public.

The New York Times - Arts

Good music should be kept together.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should be kept", ensure that the context clearly indicates what action is advised and why it's important to maintain that state. For example, "Records should be kept accurate to ensure compliance."

Common error

Avoid using "should be kept" without specifying the object or providing context. For example, instead of saying "Things should be kept", clarify with "Important documents should be kept in a safe place".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be kept" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a recommendation, obligation, or advice. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English, functioning to express a suggestion. It is primarily used to indicate what actions or conditions are advisable or necessary.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

28%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "should be kept" is a versatile and frequently used modal verb phrase that expresses a recommendation or necessity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely applicable. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for various contexts, from formal writing to casual advice. Remember to use this phrase with a clear object and context to avoid vagueness. Considering alternatives such as ""ought to be maintained"" or ""needs to be retained"" can add nuance to your writing, depending on the specific emphasis you want to convey. Finally, be mindful of the common mistake of using "should be kept" without specifying what should be kept or why, to ensure clarity and precision in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought to be maintained

Replaces "should" with "ought to", implying a slightly stronger sense of obligation.

must be preserved

Substitutes "should" with "must" and "kept" with "preserved", indicating a necessity for maintaining something.

needs to be retained

Changes "should" to "needs to" and "kept" to "retained", focusing on the necessity of keeping something.

has to be upheld

Replaces "should" with "has to" and "kept" with "upheld", conveying a sense of duty or enforcement.

is required to be sustained

Emphasizes the requirement for something to be kept in a sustained manner.

is advised to be stockpiled

Suggests that something is advisable to be accumulated.

it is recommended to safeguard

Recommends the protection of something.

it is suggested to updated

Recommends that something is updated.

needs to be consistently reviewed

Focuses on the necessity for something to be regularly examined and updated.

warrants continued maintenance

Indicates that something deserves ongoing preservation.

FAQs

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

The phrase "should be kept" is used to express a recommendation or necessity for maintaining a certain condition or state. For example, "All confidential information "should be kept private"".

What are some alternatives to "should be kept"?

Alternatives include "ought to be maintained", "must be preserved", or "needs to be retained", depending on the level of emphasis you want to convey.

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

It's appropriate when you want to suggest a course of action or a condition that is beneficial or necessary to maintain. This could apply to anything from physical objects (e.g., "Food should be kept refrigerated") to abstract concepts (e.g., "Promises should be kept").

Is "should be kept" formal or informal?

"Should be kept" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The formality depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure. More formal alternatives are available if a more sophisticated tone is needed.