do not divulge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do not divulge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where confidentiality or discretion is required, often in legal, professional, or personal situations. Example: "Please sign this confidentiality agreement and remember, do not divulge any information about our project to outsiders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

The fourth king punishes the miserly rich, dishonest tradesmen, and those who know cures but do not divulge them.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To be sure, funds do not divulge the precise dates on which they buy or sell stocks.

The New York Times

It is difficult to estimate how much business schools pay out in scholarships because a lot do not divulge the figures.

The Economist

Opposition MPs who were members of the privy council are able to view the full report at the Home Office if they do not divulge the contents publicly.

The Guardian

It is acknowledged that new legal procedures will be required to ensure that those who attend such hearings do not divulge details until they are reportable.

The Guardian

Similar to political parties anywhere, there is disagreement within the Islamic group, but many do not divulge this fact in their writing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

"I don't divulge a source.

The New York Times

We don't divulge anything that would compromise our security".

The New York Times

"When you first meet someone, you don't divulge your deepest secrets.

The Guardian - Tech

Retailers generally don't divulge details of their sales by category of goods.

The New York Times

A: First one we don't divulge.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "do not divulge" in formal writing, ensure it aligns with the overall tone and context. It's appropriate for legal agreements, confidentiality policies, or professional communications where discretion is paramount.

Common error

Avoid using "do not divulge" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "don't tell" or "keep it a secret" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do not divulge" functions as a prohibition or instruction, directing someone to refrain from sharing or revealing specific information. As Ludwig AI highlights, this is often in contexts needing confidentiality.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

18%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "do not divulge" is a grammatically sound phrase used to instruct or prohibit the sharing of confidential information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s most commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts. While generally neutral to formal, it's best suited for situations where discretion is important. Alternatives such as ""do not disclose"" or ""keep confidential"" can be used depending on the desired level of formality. Remember to avoid using "do not divulge" in overly casual situations to maintain appropriate tone and register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep confidential

Focuses on the act of maintaining confidentiality.

do not disclose

A more formal synonym for "do not divulge".

do not reveal

Emphasizes the act of uncovering something that is hidden.

do not leak

Suggests preventing the accidental or intentional release of information.

do not communicate

Broader term, covers any form of sharing information.

keep under wraps

An idiomatic expression implying secrecy.

do not make public

Focuses on avoiding widespread knowledge.

do not breathe a word

An idiomatic expression emphasizing absolute secrecy.

maintain secrecy

Highlights the need to actively keep something secret.

hold back information

Emphasizes withholding specific details.

FAQs

How can I use "do not divulge" in a sentence?

You can use "do not divulge" in sentences such as, "The contract states that you "do not divulge" any confidential information to third parties" or "Current and former CIA officials are required by law to seek agency clearance for books or articles they publish to ensure that they "do not divulge" classified information."

What phrases can I use instead of "do not divulge"?

Alternatives to "do not divulge" include "do not disclose", "keep confidential", or "do not reveal" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "do not disclose" or "do not divulge"?

"Do not disclose" and "do not divulge" are often interchangeable. "Do not divulge" may carry a slightly stronger emphasis on secrecy, while "do not disclose" is generally more formal.

What's the difference between "do not reveal" and "do not divulge"?

"Do not reveal" focuses on preventing the uncovering of something previously hidden. "Do not divulge", while similar, emphasizes the act of sharing information that should be kept private. Choose "do not reveal" when emphasizing uncovering, and "do not divulge" when emphasizing the sharing of secrets.