was kept running

USAGE SUMMARY

'was kept running' is a correct and usable sentence in written English.
"The car was kept running while we loaded our luggage into the trunk."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The Festina system was kept running resolutely until 1998.

The Guardian

As city environmental and utility officials swarmed over the cratered scene, crews managed to shut off water leading to the ruptured main about 8 A.M., but water to many buildings in the area was kept running over alternative routes on a complex grid that includes three smaller lines on Fifth Avenue.

The New York Times

Patient services were disrupted, but emergency care was kept running, after an agreement between union leaders and management.

BBC

Looking Glass neared bankruptcy as the game was developed, and the company was kept running by advances from Eidos.

Wikipedia

A single AWS instance was kept running to monitor the database for new entries at five-minute intervals.

GigaScience

The pump was kept running for an additional 10 s after each 10 min test in order to wash out the remaining liquid in the nozzle.

Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The Scranton office is being kept running as it is, bafflingly, the most profitable.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Once fired up, the anagama is kept running for at least five days and nights.

The New York Times

Driller A.J. Chubb removes a core from the drill, which is kept running 24 hours a day.

Columbia University

They are packed with hints and tips to ensure things are kept running smoothly.

The Guardian - Tech

During that time essential services were kept running by executive order.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was kept running" when emphasizing the state of continuous operation, particularly when the agent maintaining the operation is secondary or unknown.

Common error

Avoid using "was kept running" excessively in your writing. Over-reliance on the passive voice can make your writing sound vague and less engaging. Opt for active voice constructions when appropriate for a more direct and impactful message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was kept running" functions as a passive construction indicating that a subject received the action of being maintained in operation. This construction is useful when the agent performing the action is unknown or less important than the state of continuous operation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was kept running" is a grammatically sound passive construction used to describe the continuous operation or maintenance of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides varied examples from reliable sources, showcasing its utility across different contexts. While prevalent in news, science, and general content, writers should consider active voice alternatives for more direct and impactful communication in formal settings. Understanding its function and purpose allows for its effective use in writing, ensuring clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was kept functional

Emphasizes the state of being able to perform its function.

remained operational

Focuses on the state of being functional, rather than the action of maintaining it.

continued in operation

Emphasizes the continuation of a process or activity.

was maintained in service

Highlights that something remained available and usable.

was actively maintained

Focuses on the active effort to keep something functioning.

was sustained in motion

Emphasizes continuous movement or progress.

functioned continuously

Focuses solely on the uninterrupted functioning of something.

was preserved in working order

Highlights the preservation of something's ability to work.

was held in activity

Focuses on the state of something being actively engaged.

persisted in its operation

Emphasizes the continuous running or functioning of a subject despite potential challenges.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "was kept running" to use active voice?

To convert "was kept running" to active voice, identify the actor and make them the subject. For example, instead of "The engine was kept running", try "The mechanic kept the engine running".

What are some alternatives to "was kept running" that maintain a similar meaning?

Alternatives include "remained operational", "continued in operation", or "was maintained in service", depending on the specific context.

Is "was kept running" formal or informal?

"Was kept running" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though formal writing might sometimes prefer a more direct active voice construction.

How does the meaning change if I use "is kept running" instead of "was kept running"?

Using "is kept running" implies a present or ongoing state, while "was kept running" refers to a past action or state. For example, "The server is kept running 24/7" indicates continuous operation, whereas "The server was kept running during the outage" refers to a specific past period.