citing no names

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "citing no names" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a statement or opinion without specifying the individuals involved. Example: "The report discussed several controversial issues, citing no names to protect the identities of those involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Invoking a 'rumor' from 'bloggers and websites' that Clinton drinks heavily, Halper points to 'one well-known Clinton hater' for the claim the injury was the result of drinking -- citing no names".

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

One news report, citing no named sources, says the building will have five stories for car-parking and a museum floor, for Mr. Singhania's jade collection.

The New York Times

The piece cited no named sources whatsoever.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We are in a very different place than a lot of our competition," he said, without citing any names.

The New York Times

Mr. Meyer enjoys citing Indian names too obscene for English translation.

The New York Times - Books

He knows nearly everyone in the city, often introducing people by citing the names of their parents and grandparents.

The New York Times

The article cited no sources by name.

The New York Times

The manuscripts of the Argumenta, which begin in the tenth century, are numerous; Foerster (VIII 677) and Dindorf/Blass (III xlviii) cite no variant for the name.

Duke University

"There will be casualties," he said, without citing names.

The New York Times

They eventually agreed and started citing names, and we hit pay dirt on about the 15th one: MindSpring Enterprise, the Internet service provider.

The New York Times

Did you notice how he continued to talk over the applause, citing names of victims of gun violence who "deserve a vote"?

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "citing no names", ensure the context makes it clear why the names are being withheld. This often implies a need for confidentiality or a desire to avoid potential repercussions.

Common error

Avoid using "citing no names" when the source is genuinely unknown or irrelevant. Overusing it can create a sense of mystery or suspicion where none is warranted. Provide clear reasons for anonymity when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "citing no names" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating a manner in which information is presented or reported. As Ludwig AI explains, this means that the act of citing is performed without providing specific names or identities of the sources.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "citing no names" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that means to reference information without revealing the source's identity. Ludwig AI indicates that it is a valid and understandable expression. While found across various contexts, it appears most frequently in news and media, followed by academic and scientific sources. It is generally considered neutral in register and aims to maintain anonymity. Alternatives include "without naming sources" and "attributing to unnamed sources". Use the phrase judiciously, ensuring the anonymity is justified and relevant to the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without naming sources

Focuses on the omission of source identification.

without identifying individuals

Highlights the lack of specific people mentioned.

without giving names

A more direct way of saying no names are provided.

referring anonymously

Emphasizes the anonymity of the references.

attributing to unnamed sources

Highlights the act of attributing information to sources that are not named.

mentioning no one specifically

Focuses on the absence of specific individuals being mentioned.

without specifying who

Emphasizes the lack of specific identification.

keeping identities confidential

Highlights the confidentiality of the sources.

protecting sources' identities

Focuses on the act of protecting the identity of the source.

not disclosing identities

Emphasizes the decision not to reveal identities.

FAQs

What does "citing no names" mean?

The phrase "citing no names" means to refer to information or opinions without revealing the identities of the individuals providing that information. It suggests anonymity or confidentiality is being maintained.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "citing no names"?

It's appropriate when you want to indicate that sources are being kept anonymous, often to protect their privacy or safety. For example, a news article might use this phrase when "protecting sources' identities".

Are there alternatives to "citing no names"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "without naming sources", "without identifying individuals", or "attributing to unnamed sources" depending on the specific context.

How does "citing no names" differ from "mentioning no names"?

While similar, "citing no names" implies the act of referencing information from sources whose identities are withheld. "Mentioning no names" is more general and simply means that no individuals are named, regardless of whether they are sources of information.