for limited distribution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for limited distribution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a document or information is intended to be shared only with a specific group of people and not for general circulation. Example: "This report is marked for limited distribution, so please do not share it outside the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Neibu, which means "internal," is a vague government classification that indicates that something is intended for limited distribution to people with varying degrees of official status, though many neibu publications now circulate freely.

The New York Times

Movies are increasingly either effects-laden extravaganzas, like "The Dark Knight," or independent-minded movies scrambling for limited distribution, like the Polish brothers' "Northfork," all the while facing growing marketing expenses.

The New York Times

Even though it was commissioned for limited distribution, it excited general audiences to the possibilities of expanding the repertoire and appearance of wood-block prints.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is intended to permit libraries and archives, subject to the general conditions of this section, to make off-the-air videotape recordings of daily network news casts for limited distribution to scholars and researchers for use in research purposes.

Cornell University

As a small fraction — some 2.4 million doses — of the nasal spray version of the new swine flu vaccine began arriving last week at local health departments, plans for limited distribution were being formulated on the fly or dusted off from earlier in the decade, when fears of an avian flu pandemic sparked a rush of emergency preparedness.

The New York Times - Health

It knew this in part because China, following its newly transparent practice, had disclosed many such programmes online, the former negotiator said: "Similar policy announcements were neibu (for limited distribution) in the past".China's trade policies may look a little uglier than WTO members had hoped when they opened the club's doors ten years ago.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The Charge RC shoe will not be available for sale until December, except for a limited distribution on the company's Web site, UA.com, in October, and in running specialty stores like City Sports, also starting in October.

The New York Times

The reason for this limited distribution is not readily apparent, which highlights the need for continued surveillance.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Dispersal and colonization ability may also account for the limited distribution of hybrids relative to P. eos.

Plosone

One hypothesis for the limited distribution of B2 could be that it encodes a novel function that is not present in the other orthologs.

Plosone

An alternative explanation for the limited distribution of GSIIB among the eubacteria is that the gene was transferred to the eubacteria from an eukaryotic donor.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for limited distribution", clearly define who the intended recipients are to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "for limited distribution" when the material should be completely confidential. Use stronger terms like "confidential" or "top secret" to emphasize the sensitivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for limited distribution" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, indicating the scope or extent of the distribution. It specifies that something is not meant for general release, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

36%

Academia

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "for limited distribution" is a prepositional phrase used to specify that something is intended only for a select audience. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and can be found in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academia. While not extremely common, it serves an important function in controlling the dissemination of information. When using this phrase, be sure to clearly define the intended recipients to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "for restricted dissemination" or "for internal circulation only" when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for restricted dissemination

Replaces "distribution" with a synonym, "dissemination".

for internal circulation only

Specifies the scope of distribution to within an organization.

not for public release

Explicitly states the information should not be shared publicly.

for private use

Indicates the material is intended for individual or personal use only.

for a select audience

Highlights that the distribution is targeted towards a specific group.

with restricted availability

Focuses on the accessibility of the item or information.

under embargo

Implies a temporary restriction on distribution, typically for news or press releases.

for controlled distribution

Emphasizes the management and oversight of the distribution process.

for confidential use

Highlights the sensitive nature of the information and the need for discretion.

within a closed network

Specifies that distribution is limited to members of a particular group or system.

FAQs

What does "for limited distribution" mean?

It means something is intended to be shared only with a specific group of people and not for general circulation.

How can I use "for limited distribution" in a sentence?

You might say, "This report is marked "for limited distribution", so please do not share it outside the team."

What can I say instead of "for limited distribution"?

Alternatives include "for restricted dissemination", "for internal circulation only", or "not for public release".

When is it appropriate to use "for limited distribution"?

It is appropriate when you want to control who has access to certain information or materials, but complete secrecy isn't required.