a private note

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a private note" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a message or communication intended for a specific individual or group, not meant for public sharing. Example: "I left a private note on your desk regarding our meeting tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Sometimes people will send me a private note, but 99 percent of it is public.

The New York Times

This was in a private note to a priest finally reined in after years of violation complaints from young women.

The New York Times

When I was next cross with something his colleagues had done, I sent him a private note, asking if he could help avoid a recurrence.

The Guardian

The inquiry also heard on Wednesday that the Guardian has submitted a private note to Lord Justice Leveson about the issue.

The Guardian

BAT was so pleased with the eventual form the inquiry took that their lobbyists described it, in a private note, as "not a problem".

The Guardian

On the day he left, Smith also received a private note from Jonathan Stephens, the DCMS permanent secretary, praising his work.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Powell has previously admitted using a laptop on a private line and sending notes to ambassadors and foreign ministers via personal email, according to a report by the state department's inspector general.

The Guardian

It also revealed that in a remarkable private note sent on 28 July 2002 Blair promised Bush: "I will be with you, whatever".

The Guardian

Could I justify reporting on an obviously private note allegedly written by Rupert Murdoch's ex-wife about Tony Blair?

The Guardian

The Lib Dems have accidentally emailed a private briefing note for party figures to the media.

The Guardian

Hours after the prince's statement, Ipso, the industry regulator set up in the wake of Leveson and supported by most of the national press, sent a private advisory note including a letter from Markle's lawyers urging editors to desist.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a private note" when you want to emphasize the personal and confidential nature of a written communication. It is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the content of the note.

Common error

Avoid assuming that any digital communication is truly "a private note". Always consider the possibility of unintended access or disclosure, especially on platforms with varying privacy settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a private note" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies a specific type of written communication characterized by its intended confidentiality. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a private note" is a noun phrase used to describe a confidential written communication. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives exist, such as "a confidential message" or "a personal communication", "a private note" emphasizes the intended secrecy of the communication. When using this phrase, it's important to be mindful of the context and ensure that the intended level of privacy is maintained, especially in digital communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a private communication

Highlights the exclusive and non-public nature of the message.

a confidential message

Focuses on the secrecy and sensitivity of the communication.

a confidential communication

Highlights the sensitive and restricted nature of the message

a personal communication

Highlights the personal nature of the message.

a secret dispatch

Emphasizes the hidden or covert aspect of the note.

a discreet message

Implies caution and confidentiality in sending the note.

an off-the-record comment

Suggests the information is not for public consumption.

a message in confidence

Highlights the trust and privacy associated with sharing the message.

a clandestine communication

Indicates a secretive and perhaps illicit exchange.

a privileged communication

Suggests the note contains information protected by law or ethics.

FAQs

How to use "a private note" in a sentence?

You can use "a private note" to describe a confidential message. For example, "She slipped "a private note" under his door" or "The lobbyists described it in "a private note" as 'not a problem'.

What can I say instead of "a private note"?

You can use alternatives like "a confidential message", "a personal communication", or "a secret dispatch" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a private note" or "a personal note"?

Both "a private note" and "a personal note" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "A private note" emphasizes confidentiality, while "a personal note" emphasizes the personal nature of the message.

What's the difference between "a private note" and "a public note"?

"A private note" is intended for a specific individual or group and is not meant to be shared publicly. A "public note", on the other hand, is intended for a wider audience and is meant to be shared openly.