cannot divulge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot divulge" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when someone is unable or unwilling to reveal or disclose information. Example: "Due to confidentiality agreements, I cannot divulge any details about the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Image Source says it cannot divulge it.

The New York Times

I cannot divulge it because I don't exactly know.

The New Yorker

The university cannot divulge the sum, but reports have put it at up to $150 million.

The New York Times

"I just cannot divulge any information about that situation right now," he said.

The New York Times

Mr. Sharon has said that he has a plan but cannot divulge it.

The New York Times

This is based on our reliable sources on the ground whom we cannot divulge because of operational security".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

For security reasons, the enemy cannot be divulged.

The New York Times

Both governments argue that the lawsuits should be thrown out because state secrets cannot be divulged.

The Economist

By reason of circumstances which cannot be divulged in this communication, we would elect to make this country our permanent residence. . . .

The New Yorker

"We've targeted several players but details of these potential signings cannot be divulged at this stage because of contractual privacy".

BBC

I would like to present to ICIS members the first results of a preliminary study performed in Milan, even though complete data cannot be divulged prior to publication.

Cancer Imaging

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot divulge" when you need to express an inability to share information due to confidentiality, security, or other restrictions. It's suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, such as news reports and professional communication.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot divulge" in casual conversations where simpler alternatives like "I can't say" or "It's confidential" would be more appropriate. The phrase can sound overly formal or evasive in informal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot divulge" functions as a declarative statement indicating an inability or unwillingness to disclose information. It suggests a restriction, whether due to confidentiality, security, or other constraints, as validated by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot divulge" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate an inability or unwillingness to reveal information. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in various contexts, particularly within news and media. It is best suited for neutral to professional settings and should be used cautiously in informal conversations. Alternatives like "unable to disclose" or "it's confidential" may be more appropriate depending on the situation. While versatile, overusing "cannot divulge" in casual settings can sound overly formal. The phrase serves primarily to inform that specific details will be withheld, often due to confidentiality or security reasons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unable to disclose

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the inability to reveal information due to restrictions or limitations.

not permitted to reveal

This phrase highlights the lack of authorization to share information, suggesting a rule or policy is in place.

cannot reveal

This alternative removes "divulge" for a simpler, more direct statement.

obliged to withhold

This indicates a duty or commitment to keep information secret.

bound to conceal

This suggests a strong commitment or legal obligation to keep something hidden.

required to keep secret

This alternative emphasizes a mandated need to keep information confidential.

asked to maintain confidentiality

This highlights a request for discretion rather than a strict prohibition.

prefer not to say

This option is more polite and less forceful, implying a choice not to disclose.

it's confidential

This is a concise way to indicate that the information is private and cannot be shared.

that's private

This emphasizes the personal or sensitive nature of the information.

FAQs

What does "cannot divulge" mean?

The phrase "cannot divulge" means that someone is unable or unwilling to reveal or disclose certain information, often due to confidentiality, security reasons, or a prior agreement.

When is it appropriate to use "cannot divulge"?

It is appropriate to use "cannot divulge" in formal or neutral settings, such as professional communications, news reports, or legal contexts, where confidentiality or restriction of information is important. Using alternatives such as "unable to disclose" can also be useful in similar contexts.

Are there less formal alternatives to "cannot divulge"?

Yes, in more informal settings, you can use phrases like "I can't say", "It's confidential", or "prefer not to say". These alternatives are less stiff and more suitable for casual conversations.

Is "cannot divulge" grammatically correct?

Yes, "cannot divulge" is grammatically correct. Ludwig AI also confirms its usability in written English. It follows standard grammar rules and is widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media.