were kept

USAGE SUMMARY

'were kept' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as the past tense, passive voice, of the verb 'keep'. For example, "The documents were kept in a secure location."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No dogs were kept.

The New Yorker

Secrets were kept.

The New York Times

All were kept busy.

The New York Times - Arts

Only biopsies were kept.

Nature

Careful records were kept.

The Guardian

Reporters were kept out.

The New York Times

No cellphone numbers were kept.

The New York Times - Arts

Most adoptions were kept secret.

The New York Times

The children were kept away.

The New York Times

Humans were kept away from them.

Harvard University

These files were kept in Marable's home.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were kept", ensure the subject clearly identifies what was being maintained or preserved. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid shifting tenses within a sentence when using "were kept". Maintain a consistent past tense structure throughout the passage to ensure grammatical accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were kept" functions as a passive voice construction in the past tense. It indicates that the subject of the sentence underwent an action of being maintained, stored, or preserved. As Ludwig AI suggests, it aligns with standard grammatical rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

34%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were kept" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase indicating a past passive action of maintaining, preserving, or storing something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. Predominantly found in scientific, news, and academic contexts, its purpose is to describe a state resulting from a past action. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in subject identification and consistency in tense. Consider alternatives like "were maintained" or "were retained" depending on the specific context. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate usage, you can effectively incorporate "were kept" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were maintained

Focuses on the ongoing upkeep and preservation of something.

were retained

Emphasizes holding onto something without significant change.

were preserved

Highlights the act of protecting something from decay or damage.

were sustained

Stresses the ability to continue or support something over time.

were conserved

Emphasizes the careful use and management of resources.

were guarded

Focuses on the protection from danger or harm.

were shielded

Highlights the act of protecting from something harmful.

were upheld

Emphasizes the act of maintaining or defending a principle or decision.

were stockpiled

Implies the accumulation of a large quantity of something for future use.

were archived

Focuses on storing something for historical purposes.

FAQs

How can I use "were kept" in a sentence?

You can use "were kept" to describe a past action of maintaining something, like "The records "were kept" confidential" or "The prisoners "were kept" under strict surveillance".

What are some alternatives to "were kept"?

Alternatives include "were maintained", "were retained", or "were preserved". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "was kept" instead of "were kept"?

"Was kept" is singular, used with a singular subject (e.g., "The secret was kept"). "Were kept" is plural, used with plural subjects (e.g., "The secrets "were kept"").

What is the difference between "were kept" and "had been kept"?

"Were kept" indicates a simple past passive action. "Had been kept" indicates a past perfect passive action, meaning the keeping occurred before another point in the past. For example, "The books "were kept" in the library" vs. "The books had been kept in storage before they were moved to the library".