a secretive manner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a secretive manner" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the way someone behaves when they are being discreet or withholding information. Example: "She spoke in a secretive manner, as if she were hiding something important."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Use of the planes, which began in a secretive manner, now takes place with unabashed transparency.

The New Yorker

Decisions are not made in a secretive manner, but with an abundance of public input.

The New York Times

The anniversary of the attacks got early coverage this year when last week, just days before the anniversary of the attacks, the lone surviving Pakistani gunman in the attacks, Ajmal Kasab, was hanged in a secretive manner.

The New York Times

"I think one mistake activists or women social entrepreneurs make, in general, is that they tend to work in a secretive manner and no one knows what they are doing," she suggests.

The Guardian

The Department of Education now operates in a secretive manner that denies the right of the public to have a say in important decisions or even to know what policy is being considered.

The New York Times

"The death penalty is not only applied unfairly and in a secretive manner," says Amnesty. "It is discriminatory and is sued against those who are least able to access their rights.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

And we made the film in a highly secretive manner.

The Guardian - Film

We were juggling the daily tasks of running the business while going through the process of selling the company – in what I'll admit was a rather secretive manner.

Forbes

Contrary to these socially acknowledged events of death and beyond, the Hijra community performs the death ceremonies of their fellows in a very secretive manner.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

But it is disconcerting that even after 70 years and other discoveries of looted art, Germany is handling this situation in an unaccountably secretive manner.

Los Angeles Times

"He's dealing with a staff that, for a very long time, operated in a closed and secretive manner.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add nuance, pair "a secretive manner" with adverbs that specify the degree or intention of secrecy, such as "acting in a very secretive manner".

Common error

Avoid using "a secretive manner" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can make characters or situations seem overly suspicious or predictable. Instead, vary your descriptions with other phrases like "discreet approach" or "covert way" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a secretive manner" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how an action is performed. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a secretive manner" describes actions performed with intentional concealment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It's a phrase best suited for neutral contexts, commonly found in news and media, and less so in formal business settings. When using "a secretive manner", consider alternative phrasing and ensure that the context warrants a description that evokes suspicion or intentional hidden actions. To avoid overuse, consider alternatives like "clandestine fashion" or "covert way".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clandestine fashion

Replaces "manner" with "fashion" and "secretive" with "clandestine", emphasizing secrecy and illegitimacy.

a covert way

Uses "covert" instead of "secretive" and "way" instead of "manner", implying hidden or disguised actions.

a discreet approach

Replaces "secretive manner" with "discreet approach", focusing on tact and caution.

a furtive style

Emphasizes a sense of stealth and suspicion with "furtive" and "style".

a surreptitious method

Highlights the indirect and deceptive nature of the action, using "surreptitious" and "method".

an underhand tactic

Suggests dishonesty and unfairness with "underhand tactic".

a hushed tone

Focuses on the quiet and suppressed nature of communication, using "hushed tone".

a guarded demeanor

Indicates caution and restraint in behavior, using "guarded demeanor".

a confidential air

Highlights privacy and secrecy in atmosphere or communication, using "confidential air".

a withdrawn attitude

Implies a lack of openness and a tendency to keep things hidden, using "withdrawn attitude".

FAQs

How can I use "a secretive manner" in a sentence?

You can use "a secretive manner" to describe how someone behaves when they are trying to keep something hidden. For example: "She spoke in "a secretive manner", as if she were hiding something important."

What are some alternatives to "a secretive manner"?

Alternatives include "a covert manner", "a clandestine fashion", or "a discreet approach" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it ever appropriate to use "a secretive manner" in formal writing?

Yes, it is appropriate in formal writing when describing actions or behaviors that are intentionally hidden or concealed. However, ensure the tone remains objective and avoids unnecessary judgment.

What is the difference between "a secretive manner" and "a mysterious manner"?

"A secretive manner" suggests deliberate concealment or withholding of information. "A mysterious manner", on the other hand, implies an enigmatic or puzzling quality that may not necessarily be intentional.