was kept small

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was kept small" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something was intentionally maintained at a limited size or scale. Example: "The budget for the project was kept small to ensure that we could allocate resources effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

The preparation team was kept small.

The New York Times

The mole ratio of DVB to S was kept small, i.e. within 4 8%.

Polymer

Because the state was bankrupt, the administration was kept small, simple, and cheap.

Britannica

While that group gradually expanded, it was kept small to deter leaks.

The New York Times

Multinationals found Singapore a natural hub and were encouraged to expand and prosper.Third, the government was kept small, efficient and honest qualities absent in most of Singapore's neighbours.

The Economist

The area sampled was kept small enough (1000 2500 m2) in order to guarantee homogeneity of results (Delvaux and Sperner 2003).

Geoenvironmental Disasters

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Also the Hybrid PSO algorithm exhibited significant improvement in convergence speed compared to standard PSO, while the initial population of particles was kept smaller.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Therefore, in the whole cutting process, the shear force along the [010] direction was kept smaller, as shown in the curve graph of Fig. 6b.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The classes are kept small to maximize effectiveness.

Yale University

The parts must be kept small & easy to reassemble.

The New Yorker

It helps when mistakes are kept small, manageable and repairable.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was kept small", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what was responsible for maintaining the small size and the reason behind it.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by specifying what "was kept small". For example, instead of just saying "it was kept small", clarify "the budget was kept small" or "the team was kept small."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was kept small" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that something or someone was subjected to a process of being maintained at a limited size. The phrase typically modifies a noun, describing a quality that has been imposed upon it. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was kept small" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that indicates something was intentionally maintained at a limited size or scale. Ludwig AI analysis shows that it appears most frequently in scientific and news contexts. While not exceedingly common, it effectively conveys the idea of controlled limitation, and its usage in quality sources makes it a reliable choice for conveying this idea. When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure the subject is clear, and the reason for maintaining a small size is apparent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was intentionally minimized

Emphasizes the deliberate act of reducing something to the smallest possible degree.

was deliberately constrained

Focuses on the active restriction or limitation imposed on something.

was held to a minimum

Highlights maintaining something at its lowest permissible level.

was carefully controlled in size

Emphasizes the cautious and regulated aspect of managing the dimensions.

remained limited in scope

Focuses on the extent of the subject rather than its physical dimensions.

was limited in extent

Highlights the restricted range or scope of something.

did not exceed a certain size

Indicates a size constraint or upper limit that was enforced.

the dimensions were restricted

Highlights the limitations placed on the measurements of the subject.

was purposefully downsized

Implies a deliberate action to make something smaller, often suggesting a reduction in scale or importance.

the magnitude was curtailed

Uses "magnitude" to imply extent or importance and indicates a reduction.

FAQs

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

You can use "was kept small" to describe a situation where something was intentionally limited in size or scope. For instance, "The preparation team "was kept small" to deter leaks."

What are some alternatives to "was kept small"?

Alternatives include "remained limited in scope", "was intentionally minimized", or "was held to a minimum", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "was kept small" or "was minimized"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "was kept small" emphasizes the ongoing effort to maintain a small size, while "was minimized" suggests a one-time action to reduce size. The choice depends on the intended meaning.

What does it imply when something "was kept small"?

It usually implies a deliberate decision to limit resources, personnel, or the scope of a project or entity. It can suggest efficiency, secrecy, or a lack of resources.