was kept happy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was kept happy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone was maintained in a state of happiness, often in the context of relationships or caregiving. Example: "The children were well cared for and were kept happy throughout the day with fun activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

James Levine was kept happy.

The New Yorker

Morris put in the evenings, while his wife Jane was kept happy by the painter Rossetti, and has been a hero to the labour movement ever since.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The remit of a chief happiness officer (CHO) is simple: to ensure workers are kept happy.

The Guardian

The women held the real power, and had to be kept happy.

The New Yorker

Their donors are not the most adventurous listeners, and must be kept happy.

The New York Times - Arts

They cannot all be kept happy, so everyone feels let down much of the time.

The New York Times

The fear that workers could "go red" meant they had to be kept happy.

The Guardian - Business

Bricks-and-mortar music retailers need to be kept happy despite the fact that they know that online music services threaten to make them obsolete.

The Economist

They are kept happy by lucrative UN peacekeeping operations and business deals.This week's events mark the start of another cycle of violence.

The Economist

The show's millions of fans aren't going to be kept happy with routine beheadings and disembowelments, with a penectomy thrown in for fun.

The Guardian - Travel

With increased tuition fees, students are seen as customers who must be kept happy, and the NSS is now a customer satisfaction survey.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "was kept happy", consider the specific context. It's best suited for situations where active effort is being made to maintain someone's happiness, such as in caregiving, relationships, or customer service.

Common error

Avoid using "was kept happy" when an active voice construction would be more direct and clear. For instance, instead of "The child was kept happy by the toys", consider "The toys kept the child happy."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was kept happy" functions as a passive construction describing a state where someone's happiness is maintained or ensured by external factors or actions. Ludwig examples show this phrase used to describe efforts to maintain the happiness of employees or other specific individuals.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was kept happy" is a grammatically correct and usable passive voice phrase used to describe situations where someone's happiness is actively maintained. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct. While not exceedingly common, it appears primarily in News & Media contexts. Related phrases focus on similar states of contentment and satisfaction. When using this phrase, consider the clarity and directness of your writing, and ensure the passive voice is appropriate for the context. Alternatives like "was made happy" or "was kept content" can offer nuanced differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was made content

Focuses more on a state of satisfaction and peacefulness rather than overt happiness.

was kept content

Similar to 'was made content', emphasizing the maintenance of a satisfied state.

was kept satisfied

Highlights the fulfillment of needs or expectations to maintain happiness.

was ensured happiness

Focuses on the guarantee or assurance of a happy state, often through specific actions.

was kept amused

Implies keeping someone happy by providing entertainment or distraction.

was filled with joy

Emphasizes a more intense, emotional response of happiness.

was kept cheerful

Highlights maintaining a bright and positive disposition.

was pleased

Implies a state of contentment and satisfaction with something specific.

was kept comfortable

Focuses on physical or emotional ease as a means to happiness.

was indulged

Suggests happiness is achieved through pampering or fulfilling desires.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "was kept happy" to sound more active?

Consider using phrases like "someone ensured their happiness", "someone made them happy", or "they were made to feel happy depending on the context.

What are some alternative phrases for "was kept happy" that emphasize contentment?

Alternatives such as "was kept content" or "was kept satisfied" might be more appropriate when the focus is on a peaceful and fulfilled state rather than overt joy.

Is it grammatically correct to use "was kept happy" in formal writing?

Yes, "was kept happy" is grammatically correct. However, consider the tone and context. In some formal settings, a more precise or active construction may be preferable for clarity and impact. Ensure it aligns with the overall tone and style of your writing.

What is the difference between saying "was kept happy" and "was made happy"?

"Was kept happy" implies a continuous effort to maintain happiness, while "was made happy" suggests a specific action or event caused happiness at a particular moment. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize ongoing maintenance or a one-time occurrence.