be discreet about

USAGE SUMMARY

The term 'be discreet about' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to politely advise someone to keep something a secret. For example: "I'd appreciate it if you could be discreet about the surprise party I'm planning for my sister."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

If you need to be discreet about, bring a small paperback you can stuff into a drawer or coat pocket.

WikiHow

Mr. Rome has reason to be discreet about his past.

The New York Times

Public accounts tend to be discreet about this benefit.

The New York Times - Science

Make efforts to be discreet about the invitations, and ask guests to do the same.

The New York Times

Laguna tends to be discreet about its wealth, whereas parts of Newport flaunt it.

The New York Times - Travel

After that, I learnt to be discreet about what I was doing".

The Guardian - Books

"I try to be discreet about it, but I also have an aim," he said.

The New York Times

One must be discreet about one's wealth," whispered a well-dressed grandmother, clutching her handbag.

The Guardian

Also, a climber must generally be discreet about a bold route, to prevent other climbers from going there first.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Just as gentlemen never tell, horseplayers are discreet about numbers as well as philosophy.

The New York Times - Sports

That night, Turner was discreet about CNN.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to "be discreet about" something, clearly define what information needs to remain confidential and the potential consequences of disclosure.

Common error

Avoid vague instructions like "just be discreet". Always provide specific context about what needs to remain confidential to prevent misunderstandings and unintentional disclosures.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be discreet about" functions as an imperative, commonly used to instruct or advise someone to maintain confidentiality or handle sensitive information with caution. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be discreet about" is a versatile and commonly used imperative phrase that instructs someone to maintain confidentiality or handle sensitive information with caution. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Its frequency and usage across various contexts, including news media, wikis, and formal settings, demonstrate its broad acceptance. When using this phrase, clarity and context are essential to ensure effective communication. Alternatives like "exercise discretion concerning" and "be guarded about" can be used to add nuance to your instructions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be circumspect about

Stresses the need to be cautious and avoid revealing information.

be guarded about

Implies caution and restraint in sharing information.

exercise discretion concerning

Focuses on using good judgment and caution in handling sensitive information.

avoid disclosure of

Emphasizes preventing information from being revealed.

observe secrecy regarding

Highlights the importance of maintaining absolute confidentiality.

maintain confidentiality regarding

Highlights the importance of keeping information private and secure.

remain tight-lipped about

Focuses on refraining from speaking about a particular matter.

keep a lid on

Emphasizes suppressing information or preventing it from becoming public.

keep under wraps

Suggests concealing information to maintain secrecy.

handle with care

Indicates that a topic or situation requires careful and sensitive treatment.

FAQs

How can I use "be discreet about" in a sentence?

You can use "be discreet about" to politely ask someone to keep something a secret. For example, "Please "be discreet about" my surprise party plans for John."

What's the difference between "be discreet about" and "be secretive about"?

"Be secretive about" implies actively concealing information, while ""be discreet about"" suggests handling information with tact and caution, possibly without actively hiding it.

Which is correct: "be discreet about" or "be discrete about"?

"Be discreet about" is correct when referring to maintaining confidentiality. "Discrete" means separate or distinct. For example: "The data points were discrete."

What can I say instead of "be discreet about"?

You can use alternatives like "keep a lid on", "exercise discretion concerning", or "be guarded about" depending on the context.