they are kept

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are kept" is a grammatically correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is used to indicate that a certain group of people or objects are being maintained or preserved in a particular state or location. Example: "In the zoo, the lions are kept in a large enclosure to ensure their safety and well-being."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are kept busy.

The Economist

They are kept watered.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If they are kept out, expect fireworks.

Independent

Activists say they are kept under surveillance.

The Economist

Thus, they are kept unfainting and awake.

The New Yorker

It's how well they are kept.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They are kept within reasonable limits.

The Guardian - Books

I hope they are kept private".

The New York Times

But they are kept alive by their perfection.

The New Yorker

They are kept well away from the public.

The Economist

They are kept thirsty to make their urine richer.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they are kept", ensure the pronoun "they" clearly refers to a specific noun or group of nouns that has already been introduced in the context. This avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "they are kept" without a clear antecedent for "they". This can lead to confusion and make the sentence difficult to understand. Always clarify what "they" refers to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are kept" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a subject (represented by "they") is receiving the action of being kept in a certain state or place. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they are kept" is a versatile and commonly used passive construction that describes the condition or location of a subject being maintained, protected, or confined. Ludwig AI analysis, supported by numerous real-world examples, confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal communication. While its register is generally neutral, ensuring a clear antecedent for "they" is crucial for avoiding ambiguity. Alternatives such as "they are maintained" or "they are preserved" can provide subtle nuances depending on the intended meaning. The phrase's high frequency and clear communicative purpose make it a valuable tool in effective writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are maintained

Focuses on the ongoing effort to preserve something in a specific condition.

they are preserved

Emphasizes protecting something from damage or decay.

they are safeguarded

Highlights the measures taken to ensure the safety and security of something.

they are retained

Indicates that something is held or not allowed to be lost or removed.

they are held

A more general term suggesting that something is being possessed or contained.

they are stored

Implies a specific location or method for keeping something for future use.

they are controlled

Suggests that something is being managed or regulated to stay within certain limits.

they are restrained

Emphasizes the act of limiting or preventing something from moving or acting freely.

they are sheltered

Highlights the protection afforded from harsh conditions or dangers.

they are conserved

Focuses on careful use to prevent depletion.

FAQs

How can I use "they are kept" in a sentence?

Use "they are kept" to describe the state of being maintained or confined. For example, "The documents "they are kept" in a secure vault."

What are some alternatives to "they are kept"?

You can use phrases like "they are maintained", "they are preserved", or "they are safeguarded" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "they are keep" instead of "they are kept"?

No, "they are keep" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "they are kept", where "kept" is the past participle of the verb "keep".

What's the difference between "they are kept" and "they keep"?

"They are kept" is in the passive voice, indicating that something is done to them. "They keep" is in the active voice, indicating that they are performing the action of keeping.