was kept closed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was kept closed" is acceptable in written English.
It is usually used as part of the past simple tense. For example: "The gate was kept closed to keep trespassers out."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The eye was kept closed for 7 days, after which each kitten had amblyopia.

Science Magazine

During the experiment, they could only consume food and water prepared in the chamber and the door of the chamber was kept closed.

International Journal of Coal Science & Technology

During the entire experimental period the colony was placed inside a flight chamber (6×3×2 m) that remained open between the experiments allowing bees to fly freely, but was kept closed while testing behavioral responses.

Plosone

The tunnel that connected the colony to the cage was kept closed during the 'dark' phase and opened within 1 2 h after the start of the 'light' phase.

Animal Cognition

When the vessel was kept closed the yield of nitrite in the absence of GSH increased to 1361±70 nM, confirming the loss of NO to the atmosphere during incubation in a stirred open vessel.

Free Radical Biology and Medicine

It was kept closed, in line with Lessing and Smith's wishes, until the novelist's death in 2013.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The name autoclave indicates a self-closing vessel with internal pressure sealing its joints, but many autoclaves are kept closed by external mechanical means.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The ride was being kept closed while the park and authorities carried out an investigation.

The Guardian

The bladders, or traps, are hollow underwater structures with a flexible door or valve that is kept closed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This means the rear door will have to be kept closed when the bus is in motion.

The Guardian

I disagree with your conclusion in "Caution on West Lake Drive" (editorial, June 20) that the road over the Kensico Dam should be kept closed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "was kept closed", ensure the context clearly indicates what "was" refers to. For instance, "The gate was kept closed due to the high winds" provides clear context.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by specifying the agent or reason behind "was kept closed". Instead of saying, "It was kept closed", clarify who or what caused it to remain closed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was kept closed" functions as a passive construction indicating that something (subject) was maintained in a closed state by an unspecified agent. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in English writing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was kept closed" is a grammatically sound passive construction used to describe something that remained shut, often implying a specific reason or action behind the closure. Ludwig AI validates its acceptability, and its occurrence spans across various contexts, most prominently in scientific and news-related content. While the phrase is not exceedingly common, it is readily understood and serves to clearly convey a state of inaccessibility or restriction. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what 'was' refers to and the reason for being kept closed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remained shut

Focuses on the continuation of being shut, emphasizing the duration of the state.

stayed closed

Similar to remained shut, highlighting the persistence of the closed state.

was held shut

Emphasizes the act of actively preventing something from opening.

was maintained in a closed position

More formal and descriptive, specifying the position being held.

was secured shut

Highlights the security aspect of being closed, implying a fastening mechanism.

was bolted shut

Specifies the method of closure using a bolt.

was sealed shut

Implies a complete closure, preventing any passage or leakage.

was fastened closed

General term for being closed with some kind of fastener.

was blocked off

Indicates closure by obstruction or barrier.

was kept inaccessible

Shifts the focus to the inaccessibility resulting from being closed.

FAQs

How can I use "was kept closed" in a sentence?

You can use "was kept closed" to describe something that remained shut. For example, "The laboratory "was kept closed" for safety reasons".

What are some alternatives to "was kept closed"?

Alternatives include "remained shut", "stayed closed", or "was held shut". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "was kept closed" or "remained closed"?

Both "was kept closed" and "remained closed" are correct. "Was kept closed" implies an action or effort to keep something closed, while "remained closed" simply states that it stayed closed without specifying the cause.

What does "was kept closed" imply?

The phrase "was kept closed" implies that something needed to be actively maintained in a closed position, often due to a specific reason or policy. For example, "The file "was kept closed" due to its sensitive nature".