a time of secrecy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a time of secrecy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a period characterized by hidden or confidential activities or information. Example: "During the negotiations, it was a time of secrecy, with both parties reluctant to disclose their true intentions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

IT was a time of secrecy and fear.

The New York Times

As we deal with a financial crisis, the level of which we have not seen since the Great Depression, and as we emerge from a time of secrecy and torture, the role of artists is becoming more prominent as the nation re-envisions itself.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In the larger sense, revealing government wrongdoing advances the rule of law, especially at a time of increased government secrecy.

The New York Times

At a time of high government secrecy with increasing amounts of information deemed classified, other routes to the truth have emerged, many of them digital.

The New York Times

It comes at a time of heightened concern about secrecy, shell companies and illicit money flow around the world.

The New York Times

The incident comes at a time of controversy over other botched procedures and secrecy about what drugs are used and in what combinations.

Los Angeles Times

There was a time when secrecy was almost the norm.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Burn Note's display system shows just one word at a time, adding a sense of secrecy to the messages.

Huffington Post

Aptly for a wine at the centre of a scandal, Grange itself spent some time under a veil of secrecy.

The Guardian

And to further complicate things, sexual abuse usually happens over time, in a situation of secrecy, to what may be a preverbal child.

The New York Times - Magazine

At the same time, no democracy can operate without a degree of secrecy, during times of peace as well as war.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a time of secrecy" to effectively convey a period when confidentiality and discretion were paramount. It often implies that information was deliberately withheld or activities were conducted in a hidden manner.

Common error

Avoid using "a time of secrecy" in situations where simple privacy is intended. The phrase carries a connotation of deliberate concealment, making it unsuitable for describing ordinary private matters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a time of secrecy" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, describing a period characterized by concealment or confidentiality. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, as seen in real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a time of secrecy" effectively conveys a period marked by deliberate concealment and confidentiality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and primarily found in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "a period of confidentiality" or "an era of concealment" offer similar meanings, they carry slightly different nuances. Avoid using "a time of secrecy" in everyday contexts where simple privacy is intended, as it implies intentional hiddenness. When used appropriately, this phrase effectively conveys a sense of strategic confidentiality or deliberate obfuscation during a specific period.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a period of confidentiality

Emphasizes the confidentiality aspect, focusing on information being kept private.

an era of concealment

Highlights the act of hiding or preventing something from being known.

a climate of hiddenness

Suggests an environment where things are deliberately obscured.

a phase of non-disclosure

Focuses on the active choice not to reveal information.

a moment of clandestineness

Highlights the secretive and often illicit nature of the period.

an age of subterfuge

Focuses on deception and indirect tactics to maintain secrecy.

a spell of covertness

Implies a temporary period of concealed actions.

a landscape of opacity

Describes a situation where understanding is difficult due to lack of clarity.

a chapter of unrevealed matters

Emphasizes the existence of undisclosed events or information.

an interval of veiled dealings

Suggests activities that are intentionally obscured or disguised.

FAQs

How can "a time of secrecy" be used in a sentence?

You can use "a time of secrecy" to describe a period marked by deliberate concealment. For example: "The project's initial phase was "a time of secrecy", with details closely guarded to prevent leaks".

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

Alternatives include "a period of confidentiality", "an era of concealment", or "a climate of hiddenness", each emphasizing different aspects of concealment.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a time of secrecy"?

Yes, "a time of secrecy" is grammatically correct and understandable. It functions as a noun phrase describing a specific period.

What does "a time of secrecy" imply?

"A time of secrecy" implies that activities, information, or decisions were deliberately kept hidden from public knowledge or specific individuals, often for strategic or sensitive reasons.