highly classified

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "highly classified" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe information or documents that are kept secret and restricted from public access due to their sensitive nature. Example: "The government has released some documents, but many remain highly classified and inaccessible to the public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"They receive a no-kidding, top-secret, classified briefing, based on intelligence sources that are highly classified," he said.

Vice

The first is, in the last three days we've seen three highly classified bits of information that were at the center of stories broken by the Guardian in England, all involving highly classified U.S. documents.

TechCrunch

The matter remains highly classified.

The New York Times

The full rulebook is highly classified.

The New Yorker

"It's highly classified," Ron Zollars, a company spokesman, said.

The New York Times

We don't talk about that because it's so highly classified.

The Guardian - Tech

"This issue is highly classified information," said a U.S. diplomat.

The New York Times

Most of this will be highly classified material.

The Guardian - Opinion

He has confessed to leaking highly classified documents.

The New York Times

A military lawyer had identified forty-one highly classified state secrets revealed in a single article.

The New Yorker

Even the pattern of the microscopicgrooves is a highly classified secret.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "highly classified" to emphasize the extreme sensitivity and restricted access of information. This phrase is most appropriate in formal and professional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "highly classified" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly dramatic or out of place. Opt for alternatives like "confidential" or "private" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "highly classified" primarily functions as a modifier, specifically an adjective phrase, describing the state or condition of information, documents, or operations. This is reinforced by Ludwig AI’s assessment and the examples provided, which showcase its role in specifying the level of secrecy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "highly classified" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe information that is extremely sensitive and restricted. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It is most frequently found in news and media, reflecting its relevance in reporting on government, military, and legal matters. While effective in formal contexts, it's important to consider alternatives like "top secret" or "strictly confidential" to avoid overuse in informal settings. Understanding its function, purpose, and register allows for its appropriate and impactful use in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

top secret

Indicates the highest level of confidentiality and restricted access.

strictly confidential

Emphasizes the importance of maintaining confidentiality.

classified information

A more general term for information protected from public disclosure.

sensitive information

Highlights the delicate nature of the information.

secret information

A general term for information kept hidden.

protected information

Indicates that the information is under some form of protection.

non-public information

Refers to information not available to the general public.

privileged information

Information accessible only to a select group of people.

off-the-record

Information not intended for public dissemination.

eyes only

Highlights that the information is for a very limited audience.

FAQs

How is "highly classified" typically used in a sentence?

Typically, "highly classified" is used to describe documents, information, or operations that are kept secret and restricted from public access. For example, "The documents related to national security are "highly classified" and not available to the public".

What are some alternatives to "highly classified"?

Alternatives include "top secret", "strictly confidential", or "sensitive information depending on the specific context and level of secrecy".

What makes information "highly classified"?

Information is deemed "highly classified" when its unauthorized disclosure could cause exceptionally grave damage to national security. This often includes intelligence sources, military plans, and diplomatic communications.

Is there a legal implication to leaking "highly classified" information?

Yes, leaking "highly classified" information can result in severe legal penalties, including imprisonment, due to the potential harm to national security. Whistleblowers, however, may argue that disclosing such information is in the public interest.