confer privately

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "confer privately" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a discussion or meeting that takes place in a private setting, away from public view or ears. Example: "The committee decided to confer privately to discuss sensitive matters before making a public announcement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Two opposition leaders stepped aside to confer privately.

The New York Times

Islam and Tulemaganbetov asked for time to confer privately in another office.

The Guardian - Business

The two leaders left the chamber to confer privately about how to proceed.

The New Yorker

Defense lawyers say that new rule erodes a basic right of the accused to confer privately with their lawyers.

The New York Times

The assistant district attorney, over the vehement objections of the defense, interrupted the testimony and asked the court for permission to confer privately with her witness.

The New York Times

Sanders would confer privately with other Senate colleagues before heading to a meeting with Vice President Biden that had been added to his schedule.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Top GOP financiers conferred privately about backing Trump.

The Washington Post

President Aquino rested and conferred privately, moving into the second month of her long six-year adventure as President.

The New York Times

WASHINGTON — Last summer, as the fighting in Syria raged and questions about the United States' inaction grew, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton conferred privately with David H. Petraeus, the director of the C.I.A.

The New York Times

About a dozen key bishops (at one time including both Bob Duncan and Gene Robinson) have conferred privately over the past year, partly in an effort to devise an alternative system of episcopal oversight for parishes that are irreconcilably at odds with their local bishop.

The New Yorker

It all started last spring, when the White House flew into a fit...at the revelation that Clinton had been conferring privately with Morris, the guru who has held a special fascination for the President for many years..

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: "confer privately" is suitable for formal and neutral situations, but alternatives might be more appropriate for informal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "confer privately" in extremely informal settings; it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "talk in private" or "chat privately" for casual conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "confer privately" functions as a verb phrase, where "confer" is the verb indicating the action of discussing or consulting, and "privately" is an adverb modifying the verb, specifying the manner in which the action is performed. Ludwig shows this usage across numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

4%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "confer privately" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that describes a private discussion or consultation. Ludwig AI highlights that it is most commonly found in news and media, academic, and formal business contexts. While appropriate for neutral to professional settings, it may sound overly formal in casual conversations. Alternatives such as "discuss in private" or "meet confidentially" can be used to convey similar meanings, with slight variations in emphasis. By understanding its proper usage and context, writers can effectively communicate the idea of a confidential exchange of information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discuss in private

Focuses on the act of discussing something away from public ears, emphasizing the privacy of the conversation.

meet confidentially

Highlights the confidential nature of the meeting, suggesting sensitive information will be shared.

have a private discussion

A more general alternative that highlights the personal and non-public nature of the conversation.

deliberate in secret

Implies a more formal and potentially strategic discussion held away from public knowledge.

talk in confidence

Stresses the trust and discretion involved in the conversation, implying that the information shared is sensitive.

consult behind closed doors

Emphasizes the physical privacy of the consultation, often suggesting a level of secrecy or exclusivity.

have a closed-door meeting

Focuses on the exclusivity and restricted access of the meeting, often used in business or political contexts.

meet in seclusion

Implies a desire for privacy and isolation, often to avoid interruptions or distractions.

huddle privately

Suggests a small group conferring discreetly, often to strategize or share information quickly.

secretly deliberate

Highlights the covert nature of the deliberation, implying hidden intentions or sensitive topics.

FAQs

What does "confer privately" mean?

"Confer privately" means to have a discussion or meeting in a private setting, away from the public eye or ear. It implies a level of confidentiality and often involves discussing sensitive or strategic matters.

When is it appropriate to use "confer privately"?

It is appropriate to use "confer privately" in formal or neutral contexts, such as business meetings, legal consultations, or political discussions, where privacy and discretion are important. Simpler alternatives may be better for informal situations.

What can I say instead of "confer privately"?

You can use alternatives like "discuss in private", "meet confidentially", or "have a private discussion" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "confer privately" too formal for casual conversations?

Yes, "confer privately" can sound overly formal or pretentious in casual conversations. In such situations, simpler alternatives like "talk in private" or "chat privately" are more appropriate.