anonymous

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "anonymous" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a person, thing, or event that has not been identified or made known. For example, "The anonymous donor gave a generous gift to the charity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Junk won the Carnegie Medal and the Guardian children's fiction prize in 1996. 5. Go Ask Alice by Anonymous Any anonymously written book tagged with the controversial label always piques the interest.

The Guardian

The alleged warning from Obeid would have came before – as Icac was previously told – a member of the former NSW energy minister Chris Hartcher's staff made an anonymous complaint levelling false allegations of corruption against Schott.

The Guardian

Confessions of a charity professional is the Guardian Voluntary Sector Network's anonymous series where charity workers tell it how it is.

The Guardian

A sign of success and popularity those anonymous Stereo Kicks members can only dream about.

The Guardian - Music

They are in that respect much more anonymous".

The Guardian

"Psychiatric care is becoming a consumer good in a society in which there is a low tolerance for frustration and adversity," said one Spain-based doctor whose identity has been verified but who wanted to remain anonymous.

The Guardian

Salmond will argue to his dying days – no doubt clutching a copy of a Guardian article from March 2014 which quoted an anonymous UK minister saying that "of course" a currency union would be formed – that the chancellor's intervention amounted to "bluff, bluster and bullying".

The Guardian

(The man, the Guardian understands, wishes to be anonymous; his current attorney declined to confirm Solowiej's account).

The Guardian

Because anonymous gifts do little to inspire other donors.

The Guardian

It is technically feasible for Google to make Gmail into a system that is truly secure and secret, though not anonymous, for its users.

The Guardian - Tech

The anonymous witness said Porter gestured towards Lieutenant Brian Rice, the senior officer involved in the arrest, who then moved towards him with other officers.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, ensure that when citing "anonymous" sources, you explain the criteria used to evaluate their credibility and the reasons for granting anonymity.

Common error

Avoid using "anonymous" sources as a shield for unfounded accusations or opinions. Always verify information from "anonymous" sources and use them judiciously to maintain journalistic integrity.

Linguistic Context

The word "anonymous" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate a lack of known or declared identity. As shown in Ludwig, it is used to describe sources, donors, complaints, and individuals whose names are withheld.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "anonymous" is a common adjective used to describe something or someone whose identity is unknown or withheld. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in the news and media. Its function is to indicate a lack of known identity, often for privacy or security reasons. While "anonymous" is generally neutral in tone, it's important to use it ethically and transparently, especially when referring to sources. Alternatives like "unnamed" or "unidentified" can be used depending on the context. Remember to verify information from "anonymous" sources and avoid using the term to shield unfounded accusations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unnamed

Focuses on the absence of a specified name.

unidentified

Emphasizes the state of not being recognized or known.

nameless

Highlights the lack of a name, often suggesting insignificance.

of unknown origin

Shifts focus to the obscurity of the source or beginning.

confidential

Suggests that information is deliberately kept secret.

unattributed

Implies that the source or author is not credited.

incognito

Describes a state of disguise or concealed identity.

unacknowledged

Emphasizes that something is not recognized or admitted.

pseudonymous

Indicates the use of a false name.

withheld

Suggests that information is deliberately kept back.

FAQs

How to use "anonymous" in a sentence?

You can use "anonymous" to describe something that lacks a known or declared identity. For example, "The donation was made by an anonymous benefactor" or "The information was provided by an anonymous source."

What can I say instead of "anonymous"?

You can use alternatives like "unnamed", "unidentified", or "confidential" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "anonymous" in formal writing?

Yes, "anonymous" is appropriate in formal writing when you need to refer to someone or something without revealing their identity. Ensure that the reason for anonymity is clear and justifiable.

What is the difference between "anonymous" and "pseudonymous"?

"Anonymous" means the identity is completely unknown or withheld, while "pseudonymous" means using a false name or alias. A pseudonymous author is known by a different name, while an anonymous author is not known at all.