have been withheld

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been withheld" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to information, documents, or items that have been kept back or not disclosed. Example: "The details of the investigation have been withheld from the public to protect the integrity of the case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Some names have been withheld.

The Guardian

Tax refunds have been withheld from citizens.

The Guardian

*Full names have been withheld to protect the witnesses.

The Guardian

This data should never have been withheld from the public".

The Guardian

(The names of both Marines have been withheld pending notification of their families).

The New York Times

As it has met almost none of these conditions, international loans have been withheld.

The Economist

The full names of some of the photographers have been withheld to protect their privacy.

The New York Times

Names of the others have been withheld at the request of their families.

The New York Times

CeB, Belgium Some names have been withheld or changed to protect anonymity.

The Guardian

The precious elements of childhood -- playfulness, freedom, affection -- appear to have been withheld to devastating effect.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Some tenants in each building have been withholding rent for two months, said their lawyer, Jack Lester.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have been withheld", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is doing the withholding and what is being withheld. For example, "Information about the suspect's past has been withheld by the police."

Common error

Avoid using "have been withheld" in a way that obscures who is responsible for withholding the information. Always strive for clarity by specifying the actor when possible. For example, instead of "Details have been withheld", write "The company has withheld details."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been withheld" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject of the sentence has had something kept from them, or that something has been intentionally kept secret. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have been withheld" is a versatile passive construction used to indicate that something has been intentionally kept back or not disclosed. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media, scientific, and formal business contexts. While widely accepted, it's important to ensure clarity by specifying the actor responsible for withholding the information. By understanding its nuances and common usage patterns, you can effectively incorporate "have been withheld" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have not been disclosed

Directly states the lack of revelation.

have been held back

Indicates a temporary delay in releasing something.

have been kept secret

Focuses on the act of maintaining secrecy.

have been concealed

Highlights the act of hiding something carefully.

have been suppressed

Emphasizes the act of actively preventing something from being known.

have been embargoed

Emphasizes a prohibition on the release of information.

have been unrevealed

Highlights the state of something not being brought to light.

have been unacknowledged

Focuses on the lack of recognition or acceptance.

have been impounded

Indicates that something has been seized.

have been cordoned off

Indicates that something is physically isolated.

FAQs

How can I use "have been withheld" in a sentence?

You can use "have been withheld" to indicate that something has been intentionally kept back or not revealed. For instance, "The report's findings "have been withheld" pending further investigation."

What does it mean when information "have been withheld"?

When information "have been withheld", it means that it has been intentionally kept secret or not disclosed, often for a specific reason such as protecting privacy, maintaining confidentiality, or preventing premature disclosure.

What are some alternatives to saying "have been withheld"?

Alternatives to "have been withheld" include phrases like "have not been disclosed", "have been kept secret", or "have been suppressed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "have been withheld" or "was withheld"?

The choice between "have been withheld" and "was withheld" depends on the context. "Have been withheld" implies a continuing state resulting from a past action, while "was withheld" refers to a specific instance of withholding. For example, "Details "have been withheld" pending review" suggests the details are still being kept back. "The information was withheld" simply states that the information was withheld at some point.