well-kept

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "well-kept" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the term to describe something that is neat and orderly or in good condition, such as a garden, a vehicle or a home. For example, "The old couple kept their home looking well-kept, despite their advanced age."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

A woman with a well-kept house.

The New Yorker

Its streets are safe and well-kept.

The Economist

It's almost a well-kept secret.

Independent

"They're a well-kept secret," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

That's a well-kept secret, Bulgarian chicks".

The New York Times

"Armonk was a well-kept secret.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Well Kept Wallet.

Huffington Post

Very well kept up.

The New Yorker

Ulbricht's secrets are well kept.

The New Yorker

The displays were impressively well kept — maybe too well kept.

The New Yorker

The building has been well kept.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical spaces or objects, use "well-kept" to convey not only cleanliness but also a sense of care and attention to detail.

Common error

While "well-kept" is generally acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your descriptions with synonyms like "maintained", "immaculate", or "pristine" to add depth and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "well-kept" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe their condition or state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates something is neat, tidy, or in good condition. Examples include "well-kept garden" or "well-kept secret".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Formal & Business

9%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "well-kept" is a versatile adjective phrase used to describe something that is maintained in good condition or a secret that is closely guarded. As Ludwig AI clarifies, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal writing, though overuse should be avoided by incorporating synonyms such as "maintained", "immaculate", or "pristine". The phrase's frequency and widespread usage in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian demonstrate its reliability and comprehensibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in good condition

A straightforward way to express that something is well-maintained.

maintained

Focuses on the act of keeping something in good condition through regular effort.

tidy

Emphasizes neatness and orderliness.

neat

Highlights the cleanliness and organization of something.

immaculate

Highlights the flawless condition of something.

pristine

Focuses on the original and untouched condition.

shipshape

Implies a state of perfect order and readiness.

closely guarded

Specifically refers to a secret that is carefully protected.

undisclosed

Highlights the state of not being revealed.

confidential

Emphasizes the private nature of information.

FAQs

How can I use "well-kept" in a sentence?

You can use "well-kept" to describe something that is neatly maintained or in good condition. For example, "The park's "well-kept gardens" were a testament to the groundskeepers' hard work".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "well-kept"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "maintained", "tidy", or "immaculate" to describe something that is in good condition.

Is it grammatically correct to say "well-kept secret"?

Yes, "well-kept secret" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase. It refers to a secret that has been successfully concealed from others.

What is the difference between "well-kept" and "well-maintained"?

"Well-kept" implies that something is neat, tidy, and in good condition, while "well-maintained" specifically emphasizes the ongoing effort to keep something in good repair. You might say a garden is "well-kept" because it looks neat, but a car is "well-maintained" because it receives regular servicing.