was not kept

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was not kept" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was not maintained, preserved, or adhered to in a particular context. Example: "The promise made during the meeting was not kept, leading to disappointment among the team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The promise was not kept.

Britannica

Remarkably, the operation was not kept secret.

The New Yorker

But that promise was not kept, Mr. Jones argued.

The New York Times

This does not mean that microbial life was not kept in mind when formulating solutions.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

She was not kept in a temple of culture behind a rope.

The Guardian - Arts

While the execution was not kept secret, it was not a public execution.

The New York Times

Jamestown officials agreed, but Ms. Arnaz said the promise was not kept.

The New York Times

In some cases, milk from diseased cattle was not kept out of the human food chain.

The Guardian

He wants to know why Megrahi was not kept in secure care in Scotland.

The Guardian

But he has also suggested that he was not kept adequately informed by other C.I.A. officials.

The New York Times

"A written promise to do so was given by a manufacturer in 2003; it was not kept.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was not kept", ensure the subject and context clearly indicate what was expected to be maintained, honored, or preserved. Clarity prevents ambiguity and strengthens your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "was not kept" with plural subjects. For example, instead of "The promises was not kept", use "The promises were not kept".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was not kept" primarily functions as part of a passive verb construction. It indicates that something, such as a promise, secret, or condition, was not maintained or adhered to. Ludwig provides examples of this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

34%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was not kept" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate a failure to maintain, uphold, or honor something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase appears frequently in diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. When using "was not kept", clarity in subject-verb agreement and contextual relevance are crucial for effective communication. Alternatives like "was not maintained" or "was not upheld" can provide nuanced variations in meaning, enhancing precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was not maintained

Focuses on the lack of upkeep or preservation.

was not upheld

Emphasizes the failure to adhere to an agreement or standard.

was not honored

Highlights the lack of respect or fulfillment of a promise or obligation.

was not preserved

Focuses on the failure to keep something in its original condition.

was not observed

Indicates a failure to follow or comply with a rule or custom.

was not followed

Implies a lack of adherence to a procedure or instruction.

was not respected

Highlights a lack of regard or consideration.

was not fulfilled

Emphasizes the failure to complete or satisfy a requirement.

was not heeded

Focuses on the lack of attention or obedience to advice or a warning.

was not retained

Highlights a failure to keep or hold onto something.

FAQs

How can I use "was not kept" in a sentence?

You can use "was not kept" to indicate that a promise, secret, or condition was not maintained. For example, "The agreement "was not kept", leading to further disputes."

What can I say instead of "was not kept"?

You can use alternatives like "was not maintained", "was not upheld", or "was not honored" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "was not kept" or "were not kept"?

"Was not kept" is used with singular subjects, while "were not kept" is used with plural subjects. For example, "The secret was not kept" versus "The secrets were not kept."

What is the difference between "was not kept" and "wasn't kept"?

"Was not kept" and "wasn't kept" are equivalent in meaning. "Wasn't kept" is a contraction of "was not kept" and is more informal.