in confidential

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in confidential" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that the information being discussed is private and not to be shared with others. For example, "The discussion we had in confidential must remain between us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These claims should be resolved in confidential arbitration".

The New York Times

The details were all in confidential reports leaked to reporters.

The New York Times

The offers are considered in detail in confidential appendix one.

The Guardian

BVF and CombinatoRx are now in confidential discussions about the company's future.

The New York Times

That's not what GCHQ analysts were telling their NSA counterparts in confidential briefings.

The Guardian

In confidential papers, E&Y noted that the DMCC rules had been "amended" in November 2013.

The Guardian - Business

Those cases were settled in confidential agreements with the other interested parties.

The New York Times

Analyses were based on 150 males 18 to 25 years old; risk behavior was assessed in confidential, self-administered questionnaires.

Hormones and Behavior

"That is a bonzer bed," he says in confidential tones, shortly after leaping on to it at high velocity.

Independent

In the spring of 2007, SIGA was in confidential negotiations over the sale of a blockbuster drug.

The New York Times

In confidential cables released by WikiLeaks, American diplomats noted Kirchner's "aggressive demeanor" and her apparent obsession with her looks.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in confidential", ensure that all parties involved understand the expectation of privacy and the consequences of breaching that confidentiality.

Common error

Avoid assuming that something is automatically "in confidential" simply because it's sensitive. Clearly define the boundaries of confidentiality upfront to prevent misunderstandings and potential breaches.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in confidential" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb by specifying the condition or setting under which something occurs. Ludwig examples illustrate its use to indicate privacy and restricted access.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in confidential" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to denote privacy and secrecy. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across various contexts, including news, science, and business. While alternatives like "in strict confidence" or "under wraps" exist, "in confidential" maintains a neutral register and is widely understood. Remember to clearly define the scope of confidentiality to avoid misunderstandings, and be aware that using intensifiers with the phrase is generally redundant. Its frequent usage in authoritative sources underscores its reliability in formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in strict confidence

Emphasizes the importance of maintaining absolute secrecy.

in secrecy

Highlights the state of being kept secret.

confidentially

Adverbial form emphasizing the manner in which information is shared.

in a confidential manner

More formal way of expressing that something is done with confidentiality.

under wraps

Suggests that something is being kept secret or concealed.

in private

Focuses on the privacy of the setting or discussion.

behind closed doors

Implies that something is happening privately, away from public view.

off the record

Indicates that information is not intended for public release.

within a closed setting

Highlights the restricted nature of the environment where something occurs.

not for public consumption

Emphasizes that something is not intended to be shared with the general public.

FAQs

How can I use "in confidential" in a sentence?

You can use "in confidential" to describe settings, discussions, or documents where privacy is expected. For example, "The negotiations were held in confidential" or "The document was marked 'in confidential' to restrict access."

What are some alternatives to "in confidential"?

Alternatives include "in strict confidence", "under wraps", or "behind closed doors", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "highly in confidential"?

Yes, adding an intensifier like "highly" to "in confidential" is generally redundant. The phrase already implies a strong degree of privacy. It's best to stick with "in confidential" for clarity.

Can "in confidential" apply to digital communications?

Yes, "in confidential" can be used to describe digital communications. For example, "The emails were transmitted in confidential using encryption" or "We shared the data in confidential using a secure platform".