a matter of secrecy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a matter of secrecy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing topics or situations that require confidentiality or discretion. Example: "The details of the project are a matter of secrecy, and only a select few are privy to the information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

His failing health had been a matter of secrecy for months.

The New York Times

The reluctance to discuss the topic, though, seems less a matter of secrecy than something akin to superstition: Arena and U.S. Soccer may be less concerned about protecting trade secrets than about advancing concern, rather than awareness, inside the team.

The New York Times - Sports

In this context, privacy is not so much a matter of secrecy as of control.

BBC

Unlike many sports series, the prize money in F1 is a matter of secrecy and the formula which governs its distribution is not widely known.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

When he won the commission, the agent who interviewed him said that their identity was a matter of profound secrecy.

The New Yorker

I was an undergraduate at the University of Chicago in the late 1980's and early 90's, when Mr. Bellow and Mr. Bloom were both teaching there, and I do not recall that Mr. Bloom's homosexuality was a matter of particular secrecy on campus.

The New York Times

It's not just a matter of Swiss bank secrecy, nor is it about the arguably unfair German tax regime.

Forbes

If 19th-century Mormon secrecy was a matter of survival, 20th-century Mormon reticence was a form of soft secrecy, designed to avoid soft bigotry.

The New York Times - Magazine

As a matter of historical analysis, the relationship between secrecy and privacy can be stated in an axiom: the defense of privacy follows, and never precedes, the emergence of new technologies for the exposure of secrets.

The New Yorker

I am particularly interested in this matter of secrecy.

Yale University

It's only a matter of time, even in Switzerland where secrecy is the usual default position of governments, banks and corporations and wealthier citizens.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a matter of secrecy" when you want to emphasize the need for confidentiality and discretion. This phrase is suitable for formal and professional contexts, where keeping information private is essential.

Common error

While "a matter of secrecy" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "confidential" or "private" when speaking informally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a matter of secrecy" functions as a noun phrase that characterizes a topic or situation requiring confidentiality or discretion. It commonly appears as a predicate nominative, describing the nature of something, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a matter of secrecy" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that indicates the need for confidentiality or discretion. As Ludwig AI explains, it is most suitable for formal contexts, such as news reporting, academic writing, and professional communication. While the phrase is relatively uncommon compared to simpler alternatives, it effectively emphasizes the sensitivity and privacy of the information being discussed. Consider using related phrases like "a question of confidentiality" or "a confidential issue" for similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a question of confidentiality

This alternative focuses specifically on the confidentiality aspect, emphasizing that the topic is sensitive and should be kept private.

a confidential issue

This option is more direct and refers to the topic as something that should be kept private.

a discreet subject

This alternative highlights the need for tact and caution when discussing the topic, focusing on the manner of handling it.

a sensitive topic

This phrase emphasizes the delicate nature of the subject matter, suggesting it could cause discomfort or offense if not handled carefully.

a classified matter

This option indicates that the information is officially designated as secret and protected from unauthorized access.

a private affair

This suggests that the issue is personal and not meant for public knowledge or discussion.

something under wraps

This idiom suggests that information is being deliberately kept secret or concealed.

a closely guarded secret

This emphasizes the effort and precautions taken to maintain the secrecy of the information.

behind closed doors

This phrase implies that discussions or decisions are being made in private, away from public scrutiny.

off the record

This indicates that information is being shared informally and is not intended for publication or attribution.

FAQs

How can I use "a matter of secrecy" in a sentence?

You can use "a matter of secrecy" to describe situations where confidentiality is paramount. For example, "The details of the negotiations are "a matter of secrecy" to protect the parties involved."

What are some alternatives to "a matter of secrecy"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "a question of confidentiality", "a confidential issue", or "a discreet subject", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a matter of secrecy" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "a matter of secrecy" might sound overly formal in casual settings. In such contexts, consider using simpler alternatives like "private" or "confidential".

What makes something "a matter of secrecy"?

Something becomes "a matter of secrecy" when there's a need to protect sensitive information, whether for legal, ethical, or strategic reasons. This often involves restricting access to the information to a limited group of individuals.