Not to be disclosed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Not to be disclosed" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts where confidentiality is required, such as legal documents or agreements. Example: "The terms of the agreement are confidential and not to be disclosed to third parties." Alternative expressions include "Confidential" and "For internal use only."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

In London, officials underlined that Clarke's military status was not to be disclosed to the Spanish.

Independent

"There is no reason for these things not to be disclosed," he said.

The New York Times

The same day her action against the Daily Mail had been settled – on terms not to be disclosed.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The trip is illegal anyway, so different rules are not going to deter us," said Muna, 23, who asked for her full name not to be disclosed.

The Guardian

Asked to say what rate the firm paid in Amsterdam, where it had a roasting operation, he said tax authorities there had asked for it not to be disclosed publicly.

The Guardian - Business

Words fail, pretty much everything is pretty much illusory, and, as Banville writes, in the last lines of "Birchwood," "some secrets are not to be disclosed under the pain of who knows what retribution, and whereof I cannot speak, thereof I must be silent".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Because the loans are interest-bearing (though the rate is not made public), they do not have to be disclosed.

The Economist

It claimed donations it received were not contributions to the ballot campaign so they did not have to be disclosed.

The New York Times

For House lawmakers and candidates going for that chamber, one notable issue is that bank accounts not gathering interest aren't required to be disclosed.

Huffington Post

Financial details, however, are not expected to be disclosed.

The New York Times

Terms of the deal are not expected to be disclosed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not to be disclosed" when you need to clearly state that certain information must be kept confidential, especially in legal or formal contexts. Be sure to pair it with a clear explanation of what information is covered.

Common error

Avoid using "not to be disclosed" in casual conversations. Opt for simpler phrases like "keep it secret" or "don't tell anyone" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not to be disclosed" primarily functions as a passive infinitive phrase. It indicates that something should not be revealed or made known. As Ludwig AI shows, it commonly appears to modify nouns, specifying a condition of confidentiality or secrecy.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

42%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not to be disclosed" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate that certain information should be kept confidential. As Ludwig AI explains, it is used primarily in formal contexts like legal documents, business agreements, and scientific publications. While perfectly acceptable, remember to consider the audience and context when writing. For informal communication, consider using more casual alternatives such as "keep it secret". Key sources for examples include The New York Times, The Guardian, and BBC.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Must remain confidential

Emphasizes the obligatory aspect of keeping something secret.

Should not be revealed

Uses a softer tone, suggesting a recommendation against disclosure.

Is to be kept secret

Highlights the intention of maintaining secrecy.

Is not for public knowledge

Directly states that the information is not intended for the general public.

Information restricted

A concise way to indicate that access to the information is limited.

Classified information

Implies the information is officially protected due to its sensitivity.

Embargoed

Suggests a temporary prohibition on publishing or releasing the information.

Off the record

Indicates that the information is not intended for attribution or publication.

Not for attribution

Emphasizes that the source of the information should not be identified.

Protected information

Suggests the information is under safeguard for privacy and security reasons.

FAQs

How can I use "Not to be disclosed" in a sentence?

You can use "Not to be disclosed" to indicate that certain information should be kept confidential. For example, "The financial details of the settlement are "not to be disclosed" to the public."

What are some alternatives to "Not to be disclosed"?

Some alternatives include "confidential", "private", "restricted", or "off the record". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "Not to be disclosed"?

It's appropriate in formal settings, such as legal agreements, business contracts, or official reports, where maintaining confidentiality is crucial. In informal settings, simpler language is preferable.

What does it mean when something is said to be "Not to be disclosed"?

It means that the information is confidential and should not be revealed to unauthorized individuals or the general public. This is often done to protect privacy, maintain competitive advantage, or comply with legal requirements.