In strict confidence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "In strict confidence" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that the information being shared should be kept private and not disclosed to others. Example: "I am sharing this information with you in strict confidence, so please do not discuss it with anyone else."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

This possi- bility was indicated to me today in strict confidence.

Princeton University

Anyone with information please contact Crime and Justice Blog in strict confidence.

The Guardian

Discussions at department meetings concerned with appointments and promotions constitute privileged information which must be kept in strict confidence.

Yale University

Receiving Party shall hold and maintain the Confidential Information in strict confidence for the benefit of the Disclosing Party.

The New Yorker

The ballots are being seperately sent as emails through an outside survey vendor and all responses are tallied by an outside party and held in strict confidence.

Columbia University

Information provided and obtained during the vetting process will be treated in strict confidence and is held separately from recruitment information.

The Guardian

Consideration with regard to any candidate is deliberate, held in strict confidence and always takes place over an extended period of time.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

In the experimental kitchen, dozens of new recipes are developed and tested every year in conjunction with the UK's major retailers – all in strictest confidence.

The Guardian - Business

"This kind of frank discussion is only possible when those who take part in it know that what they say is in strictest confidence".

The New Yorker

Hamilton explained: "I need someone to review in strictest confidence the draft to check whether the science is sufficiently robust to support its conclusions.

The Guardian

You are reminded that it is because you are members of our Association and have an interest in common with your fellow members in the information contained in this statement, that they communicate it to you; and that they communicate to you in strictest confidence, and with the understanding that you are to receive it and treat it in the same way.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in strict confidence", ensure that all parties involved understand the implications and agree to maintain the confidentiality of the information shared.

Common error

Avoid assuming that everyone understands what "in strict confidence" covers. Clearly define what information is confidential and for how long.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in strict confidence" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the manner in which information is shared or held. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining secrecy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

25%

News & Media

37%

Science

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in strict confidence" is a widely used expression to emphasize the need for secrecy and discretion. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its prevalence across diverse contexts, including academia, news, and science. While the phrase itself isn't a legally binding agreement, it sets a clear expectation of privacy, especially when sharing sensitive information. For alternatives, consider phrases like "in complete secrecy" or "treated as highly confidential" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In complete secrecy

Emphasizes the absolute secrecy of the information.

In the strictest confidence

Adds further emphasis on the level of confidence.

Held in total secrecy

Similar to 'in complete secrecy' but with a different wording.

Under conditions of anonymity

Highlights the preservation of the source's identity.

In the utmost secrecy

Stresses the highest degree of secrecy.

Kept strictly private

Focuses on the information being kept away from public knowledge.

Treated as highly confidential

Emphasizes the confidentiality of the information.

Purely confidential

Stresses the confidential nature of the information shared.

Off the record

Implies that the information is not for public distribution.

Between you and me

An informal way of indicating secrecy.

FAQs

How can I use "in strict confidence" in a sentence?

You can use "in strict confidence" to indicate that information should be kept private. For example, "I am sharing this information with you "in strict confidence", so please do not discuss it with anyone else."

What phrases are similar to "in strict confidence"?

Similar phrases include "in complete secrecy", "held in total secrecy", or "treated as highly confidential". Each carries a slightly different nuance regarding the level of secrecy.

Is it appropriate to use "in strict confidence" in formal business communication?

Yes, "in strict confidence" is appropriate in formal business communication when you need to ensure the privacy of sensitive information. It sets a clear expectation of discretion.

What are the legal implications of sharing something "in strict confidence"?

While using the phrase "in strict confidence" indicates an expectation of privacy, it doesn't automatically create a legally binding agreement. For legal protection, consider a formal non-disclosure agreement (NDA).