holding back information

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "holding back information" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of not disclosing certain details or facts, often in contexts involving secrecy or withholding knowledge. Example: "The manager was accused of holding back information that could have affected the team's decision-making process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Lewinsky was probably holding back information damaging to Clinton.

The New Yorker

The next, she seemed to be holding back information about the friends she was arrested with.

The New York Times

He said he believed that people were holding back information about Mengele.

The New York Times

Perhaps unfairly, they are criticised both for holding back information, and for confusing people by revealing too much.

The Economist

"I think they may be holding back information so that it doesn't influence the vote," the official said.

The New York Times

The Greens immigration spokeswoman, Sarah Haccusedoung, accused the government of holding back information on the alleged incident.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Morley deliberately holds back information.

Independent

His report will name clubs who hold back information.

The Guardian - Sport

Any argument that we should hold back information really has to be compelling".

The New York Times

And it is hard to find any sympathy for companies that dissemble or hold back information.

The Economist

But he denied that the authority had tried to "hold back information from people".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sensitive topics, be aware that "holding back information" can imply a deliberate act of deception or manipulation. Choose this phrase when you want to suggest a moral or ethical dimension to the non-disclosure.

Common error

Avoid using "holding back information" when someone simply lacks knowledge or is unaware of certain details. This phrase suggests a conscious decision to withhold, not a lack of awareness. If you want to suggest lack of awareness instead you should phrase like "not having information".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "holding back information" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It describes the act of concealing or withholding details. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "holding back information" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe the act of intentionally concealing facts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for written English. It appears most often in news and media contexts. When using the phrase, it is important to consider the ethical implications, as it often suggests deliberate deception. If you need an alternative, consider "withholding information" or "concealing information". Be mindful that using "holding back information" implies intentional suppression, not simply a lack of knowledge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

withholding information

Replaces "holding back" with a more direct synonym, maintaining the meaning of concealing facts.

concealing information

Emphasizes the act of deliberately hiding information.

suppressing information

Suggests a more forceful effort to prevent information from becoming known.

keeping information secret

Highlights the secrecy aspect of not disclosing information.

failing to disclose information

Focuses on the omission of providing information.

not revealing information

Simple and direct way to express the non-disclosure of information.

obstructing the release of information

Implicates intentional action of blocking the distribution of the information.

stonewalling

Uses an informal term for being uncooperative and refusing to provide information.

clamming up

Uses an idiom indicating complete silence and refusal to speak.

being tight-lipped

Emphasizes the reluctance to speak or share information.

FAQs

What does "holding back information" mean?

The phrase "holding back information" refers to intentionally not disclosing certain details or facts that one is aware of. It often suggests an element of secrecy or a deliberate decision to withhold knowledge.

What can I say instead of "holding back information"?

You can use alternatives like "withholding information", "concealing information", or "suppressing information" depending on the context.

Is "holding back information" a negative action?

Whether "holding back information" is negative depends on the context. Sometimes, it may be necessary to protect privacy or national security. However, it can also be seen as negative if it's done to deceive or manipulate others.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "holding back information"?

Use "holding back information" when you want to emphasize that someone is consciously choosing not to reveal something they know. For example, "The witness was accused of "withholding information" from the police during the investigation."