"to be kept under control" vs "keep under control"

Question

"to be kept under control" vs "keep under control"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'To be kept under control' is in the passive voice and describes the state of being controlled by someone or something. 'Keep under control' is in the active voice and describes the action of controlling someone or something. They are not directly comparable as they convey different meanings.

Last Updated: March 25, 2024

This phrase is used to indicate that someone or something is being controlled or managed by another person or entity.

Examples:

The situation needs to be kept under control.
The students were kept under control by the teacher.
The fire was finally kept under control by the firefighters.
It is important for emotions to be kept under control in stressful situations.
The virus spread rapidly before it was kept under control.

Alternatives:

to remain under control
to be controlled
to be managed
to be restrained
to be supervised

This phrase is used to indicate the act of managing or restraining someone or something to maintain order or prevent chaos.

Examples:

It is important to keep your emotions under control.
The police had to keep the crowd under control during the protest.
Parents need to keep their children under control in public places.
The manager struggled to keep the project under control.
The teacher tried to keep the students under control during the field trip.

Alternatives:

maintain control over
control
manage
restrain
supervise

Answer 1

to be kept under control

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe the state of being controlled by someone or something.

Answer 2

keep under control

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe the action of controlling someone or something.

"to be kept under control" vs "keep under control"

to be kept under control

keep under control

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