to keep evidence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to keep evidence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you need to refer to the process of storing physical or digital documents or recordings that can be used as proof in court or as part of a formal investigation. For example, "The police were required to keep evidence of the theft for use in court."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The C.I.A. also employs arcane legal devices to keep evidence away from its employees and their lawyers, she says.

The New York Times

That's when we had to learn to use Twitter, to keep evidence of the exact time of the arrests".

The New York Times

An inquest into the death of Alexander Litvinenko – Berezovsky's close friend – is continuing, amid government attempts to keep evidence in the case secret.

The Guardian

In another ruling, the judge denied a defense request to keep evidence seized at Lewis's Baltimore home out of the trial, which is expected to begin May 15.

The New York Times - Sports

The two are among seven defendants who face other charges, including conspiracy to bribe public office officials and attempting to keep evidence hidden from police investigating phone hacking.

Independent

You'd think that any parent who kept his children under lock and key to shield them from the evils of the world would do all that he could to keep evidence of those evils at bay.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

For this reason, psychiatric treatment was considered harder to keep evidence-based, and to require individual considerations to a greater extent.

BMC Family Practice

There is a comprehensive refusal to act, to gather and keep evidence, search premises and interview witnesses.

The Guardian - Opinion

He asked police officers in Chongqing to collect and keep evidence for a case against Ms. Gu, the court said.

The New York Times

In the film, the journalists pretty much conduct their own investigation; they attempt to set up phone interviews with the killer and keep evidence to themselves.

The Guardian - Film

Why keep evidence of the barbarians' arsenal?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to keep evidence" in legal or investigative contexts, specify the method and location of storage for clarity and to demonstrate chain of custody. For instance, "The police followed standard procedure to keep evidence in a secured, climate-controlled facility."

Common error

Avoid using "to keep evidence" when the intention is to conceal or suppress evidence, as this implies unethical or illegal activity. Use more appropriate phrases like "to conceal evidence" or "to suppress evidence" when describing such actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to keep evidence" functions as an infinitive phrase, often acting as part of a verb phrase indicating purpose or intention. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. It highlights actions undertaken to maintain possession and control over items or information deemed evidentiary.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to keep evidence" is a grammatically sound infinitive phrase used to describe the act of preserving proof or documentation for future use. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to express intent or necessity in maintaining evidentiary materials. While the phrase appears across various domains, it is most frequently found in news and media, wiki articles, and scientific contexts, reflecting its connection to objective record-keeping and formal proceedings. Alternatives include "to preserve evidence", "to retain evidence", and "to safeguard evidence", each carrying slightly different nuances of preservation and protection. Remember to specify the method of storage and to avoid using the phrase when the intent is to conceal or suppress evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to preserve evidence

Focuses on maintaining the integrity of the evidence over time.

to retain evidence

Emphasizes the act of holding onto the evidence.

to safeguard evidence

Highlights the protection and security of the evidence.

to store evidence

Focuses on the act of placing evidence in a location for safekeeping.

to maintain evidence

Suggests an ongoing effort to keep the evidence in a usable state.

to secure evidence

Emphasizes making evidence safe from being lost or tampered with.

to collect and keep evidence

Includes the action of finding and securing the evidence.

to hold onto evidence

Focuses on the act of not letting go of the evidence.

to archive evidence

Suggests a more permanent form of storage, often for historical purposes.

to protect evidence

Emphasizes protecting the evidence from damage or destruction.

FAQs

How can I use "to keep evidence" in a sentence?

You can use "to keep evidence" to describe actions taken to preserve proof, such as "The lab technician was instructed to keep evidence from the crime scene intact."

What are some alternatives to "to keep evidence"?

You can use alternatives like "to preserve evidence", "to retain evidence", or "to safeguard evidence" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "to keep evidence" or "to retain evidence"?

Both "to keep evidence" and "to retain evidence" are correct. "Retain" is often used in more formal or legal contexts, while "keep" is more general.

What's the difference between "to keep evidence" and "to collect evidence"?

"To collect evidence" refers to the act of gathering evidence, while "to keep evidence" refers to the act of maintaining or storing it after it has been gathered. The first refers to the gathering and the second to the storage of evidence.