in complete secrecy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in complete secrecy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing actions or events that are conducted without anyone else knowing, emphasizing total confidentiality. Example: "The negotiations were held in complete secrecy to prevent any leaks to the media."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Moreover, they operate in complete secrecy.

The New York Times

It is even harder to understand why this should be done in complete secrecy.

The Guardian - Opinion

"He operated in complete secrecy and made sure that there was a high degree of compartmentalisation around him," Yatom added.

The Guardian

There are few if any due process rights granted to defendants, and the trials may occur in complete secrecy.

The New York Times

Mr. Yaacoub told investigators that his first handler, a man named Wahid, told him he was to operate in complete secrecy.

The New York Times

He painted a picture of an "isolated and insular" undercover unit that operated in complete secrecy, and branded the management of the undercover officers "complacent and possibly negligent".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

On 9 November, Yanukovych visited Putin in Moscow, a trip made in almost complete secrecy.

The Guardian

The controversial Foreign Intelligence Surveillance (Fisa) court – derided in recent years as a rubber stamp for the NSA, and which normally operates in almost complete secrecy – just released an opinion from November 2015 in which federal judge Thomas Hogan sharply criticized the spy agency.

The Guardian - Opinion

Because of the classified information at issue in those cases, the 11-member court operates in almost complete secrecy from a small, high-security hearing room within the Justice Department, its judges chosen on a rotating basis from within the federal court system.

The New York Times

The group met, on and off, in almost complete secrecy for nearly four years.

The New York Times

Back when the state operated in almost complete secrecy, it could easily resist these demands.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in complete secrecy" to describe situations where any disclosure would have significant negative consequences. It is suitable for emphasizing the high stakes involved in maintaining confidentiality.

Common error

Avoid using "in complete secrecy" for everyday situations where discretion is preferred but not essential. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact when you need to describe truly critical confidentiality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in complete secrecy" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe how an action is performed. It indicates the manner in which something is done, emphasizing the utmost confidentiality and discretion. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in complete secrecy" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to emphasize the confidentiality of an action or event. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts. It is particularly common in news and media, science and encyclopedias, as it underscores the discreet and hidden nature of specific processes. When using this phrase, ensure it's appropriate for the context and that the emphasis on absolute confidentiality is genuinely warranted. Related phrases like "in utter secrecy" or "under a veil of secrecy" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in utter secrecy

Emphasizes the degree of secrecy, suggesting it's absolute and total.

in total secrecy

Similar to "in utter secrecy", stressing the comprehensive nature of the confidentiality.

under a veil of secrecy

Uses a metaphor to describe the hidden nature, implying something is deliberately concealed.

behind closed doors

Indicates privacy and exclusion from public view, focusing on the location of the secret activity.

in strict confidence

Highlights the confidential nature of the matter, stressing that it should not be disclosed.

covertly

This adverb directly describes the action as being done secretively or surreptitiously.

surreptitiously

Implies the action is done stealthily, avoiding detection or attention.

confidentially

Focuses on the privacy aspect, implying that information is shared with a promise of nondisclosure.

clandestinely

Suggests that an action is performed in secret, often because it is illicit or disapproved of.

privately

Indicates that something is done without public knowledge or presence, though it may not necessarily be hidden.

FAQs

What does "in complete secrecy" mean?

The phrase "in complete secrecy" means something is done or kept hidden with total confidentiality, ensuring no one finds out about it. It emphasizes the absolute nature of the secrecy.

How can I use "in complete secrecy" in a sentence?

You can use "in complete secrecy" to describe actions or events that are performed with utmost discretion. For example, "The negotiations were conducted "in complete secrecy" to prevent leaks to the press."

What are some alternatives to "in complete secrecy"?

Alternatives include "in utter secrecy", "in total secrecy", or "under a veil of secrecy". The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "in complete secrecy" more formal than "in secret"?

"In complete secrecy" is slightly more emphatic and formal than "in secret". While both indicate confidentiality, "in complete secrecy" underscores the absolute nature of the confidentiality, making it suitable for more serious or sensitive contexts.