highly secret

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "highly secret" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe information or documents that are classified or not meant to be shared with the public. Example: "The government has classified the documents as highly secret, and access is restricted to authorized personnel only."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Radar was just invented ('40) and highly secret.

Columbia University

Until recently even the secrecy bill was itself highly secret.

The Economist

It was a highly secret operation and very sensitive.

The Guardian

The full extent of the American role is considered highly secret.

The New York Times

There have been memoirs written, highly secret minutes have been published.

The Guardian - Books

How many people are being held in the C.I.A.'s highly secret offshore prisons?

The New York Times

General Gutiérrez was trusted with highly secret information by White House, Drug Enforcement Administration and intelligence officials.

The New York Times

Israel maintained an undeclared nuclear stockpile of 60 to 80 warheads, but any developments were kept highly secret.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Dark and tangy, it is made from a highly secret recipe and is also sold by the jar ($7.95).

The New York Times - Travel

At the same time, a highly secret document was prepared from Stalin's archives for members of the Central Committee only.

The Guardian

This little known, highly secret site was responsible for the trigger for the bomb dropped on Nagasaki.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If possible, try to briefly mention why the information is "highly secret" to give context.

Common error

Avoid using "highly secret" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly dramatic or out of place. Opt for simpler terms like "confidential" or "private" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "highly secret" primarily functions as a pre-modifying adjective, intensifying the secrecy of the noun it modifies. It indicates a high degree of confidentiality or restricted access, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "highly secret" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that is extremely confidential or restricted. Ludwig AI suggests that it is most frequently used in News & Media and Academia. The analysis reveals that while "highly secret" is acceptable, alternatives like "top secret" or "classified information" might be more appropriate in formal contexts. While commonly accepted and widely used, it's important to consider the audience and context when choosing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

top secret

This alternative emphasizes the highest level of classification and confidentiality.

strictly confidential

Focuses on the sensitive and private nature of the information.

classified information

Highlights that the information is officially classified and restricted.

under wraps

Suggests that something is being kept hidden or concealed.

closely guarded

Implies that something is carefully protected to maintain its secrecy.

hush-hush

An informal way of saying something is secret.

off the record

Indicates that information is not meant to be publicly disclosed.

secretive

Describes something or someone who is inclined to keep things secret.

covert

Suggests hidden or clandestine activities.

private and confidential

Emphasizes both the personal and secret nature of the information.

FAQs

How can I use "highly secret" in a sentence?

You can use "highly secret" to describe information, operations, or locations that are not meant to be publicly known. For example: "The documents were marked as "highly secret", and access was restricted."

What phrases are similar to "highly secret"?

Alternatives include "top secret", "strictly confidential", or "classified information". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "very highly secret"?

While not grammatically incorrect, "very highly secret" can be redundant. The word "highly" already intensifies the secrecy. It's generally better to stick with "highly secret" or choose a stronger alternative like "top secret".

What makes information "highly secret"?

Information is typically deemed "highly secret" when its disclosure could cause significant damage to national security, business interests, or personal privacy. Access to such information is usually restricted to authorized individuals.