freedom of information

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "freedom of information" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the right to access information held by public authorities or the general principle of transparency in governance. Example: "The government must uphold the freedom of information to ensure that citizens can access important public records."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

In January, Lush sent in a freedom of information request.

The Guardian - Opinion

Still waiting Freedom of information?

The Economist

Take freedom of information.

The Guardian

Freedom of information was a big part.

The Guardian

Freedom of information requests were piling up.

The Guardian

No freedom of information requests are needed.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Freedom of Information Act works well.

The Guardian

It is about freedom of information.

The Guardian

We got the Freedom of Information Act.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

A freedom-of-information law helps investigative reporting.

The Economist

Mexico legislators seek to change freedom-of-information law.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legislation, specify the country or region to avoid ambiguity (e.g., "The Freedom of Information Act in the UK...").

Common error

Avoid using "freedom of information" as a synonym for all types of open communication. It specifically refers to the legal right to access government-held data.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "freedom of information" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically identifies the legal and ethical principles ensuring public access to government-held information. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "freedom of information" is a noun phrase denoting the legal right to access government-held information. Ludwig confirms its correct grammatical usage, primarily within news and business contexts, with a neutral tone. To ensure clarity, specify the relevant country or region when discussing the concept in relation to legislation. Avoid using the term too broadly, ensuring it relates specifically to government data access. Key alternatives include "right to access information" and "government transparency". The most authoritative sources for examples are The Guardian, The Economist and The New York Times.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

right to access information

Focuses on the legal entitlement to view data.

access to public records

Highlights the availability of official documents.

government transparency

Emphasizes openness of governmental operations.

open government

Stresses accessibility and accountability in governance.

sunshine laws

Refers to laws promoting government transparency.

public disclosure

Highlights the act of making information publicly available.

data accessibility

Focuses on the ease of obtaining data.

records access

Directly refers to the ability to view official documents.

access to official information

Specifies the type of information being accessed.

transparency legislation

Highlights the legal framework around access to information.

FAQs

What does "freedom of information" mean in a legal context?

In law, "freedom of information" refers to the legal right of the public to request access to information held by governmental organizations. This is often legislated through a "freedom of information act".

How can I use "freedom of information" in a sentence?

You might say, "The journalist filed a "freedom of information request" to uncover details about the government contract" or "Freedom of information laws are crucial for ensuring government transparency."

What is the difference between "freedom of information" and "right to information"?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, "right to information" is a broader concept encompassing the general right to access information, whereas "freedom of information" often refers specifically to legal frameworks enabling access to government-held data.

Is "freedom of information" the same as "data privacy"?

No, "freedom of information" and "data privacy" are distinct concepts. "Freedom of information" concerns the public's right to access government information, while "data privacy" concerns an individual's right to control their personal information.