in strict confidence

USAGE SUMMARY

"in strict confidence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to indicate that you are providing information that must not be shared with anyone else. For example, "I'm telling you this in strict confidence – don't tell anyone else!".

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

This possi- bility was indicated to me today in strict confidence.

Princeton University

Anyone with information please contact Crime and Justice Blog in strict confidence.

The Guardian

Discussions at department meetings concerned with appointments and promotions constitute privileged information which must be kept in strict confidence.

Yale University

Receiving Party shall hold and maintain the Confidential Information in strict confidence for the benefit of the Disclosing Party.

The New Yorker

The ballots are being seperately sent as emails through an outside survey vendor and all responses are tallied by an outside party and held in strict confidence.

Columbia University

Information provided and obtained during the vetting process will be treated in strict confidence and is held separately from recruitment information.

The Guardian

Consideration with regard to any candidate is deliberate, held in strict confidence and always takes place over an extended period of time.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

In the experimental kitchen, dozens of new recipes are developed and tested every year in conjunction with the UK's major retailers – all in strictest confidence.

The Guardian - Business

"This kind of frank discussion is only possible when those who take part in it know that what they say is in strictest confidence".

The New Yorker

Hamilton explained: "I need someone to review in strictest confidence the draft to check whether the science is sufficiently robust to support its conclusions.

The Guardian

You are reminded that it is because you are members of our Association and have an interest in common with your fellow members in the information contained in this statement, that they communicate it to you; and that they communicate to you in strictest confidence, and with the understanding that you are to receive it and treat it in the same way.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in strict confidence", ensure that all parties involved understand the implications of confidentiality and the consequences of breaching it.

Common error

Avoid assuming that everyone interprets "in strict confidence" the same way. Clearly define what information is covered and for how long to prevent misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in strict confidence" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the manner in which information is shared or handled. According to Ludwig, the phrase is suitable for use in writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

24%

News & Media

41%

Science

34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

0.1%

Reference

0.1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in strict confidence" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to emphasize the importance of maintaining secrecy. According to Ludwig, the phrase is suitable for use in writing. Its prevalence across diverse fields like academia, news, and scientific research underscores its wide applicability. When employing this phrase, clarity in defining the scope of confidentiality is crucial to prevent misunderstandings. Alternatives such as "in complete secrecy" or "under condition of confidentiality" can be considered based on the specific context. The phrase functions as an adverbial modifier, assuring discretion in communication. Given its neutral to professional register, it fits seamlessly into various written and spoken communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the strictest secrecy

Emphasizes a higher degree of secrecy than "in strict confidence".

with utmost confidentiality

Highlights the importance of maintaining confidentiality.

in complete secrecy

Emphasizes the secrecy aspect more strongly.

under condition of confidentiality

A more formal way of expressing the same idea.

on the understanding of privacy

Highlights mutual agreement on privacy protection.

kept secret

A simpler and more direct way of saying the information will not be shared.

as a closely guarded secret

Highlights how well the secret will be kept

held privately

Focuses on the private nature of the information.

between these walls

Emphasizes that it should only be known within a limited group or space.

off the record

Commonly used in journalism, indicating that information is not for publication.

FAQs

How can I use "in strict confidence" in a sentence?

You can use "in strict confidence" to preface information you don't want shared. For example, "I'm telling you this "in strict confidence", please don't tell anyone else."

What is a more formal alternative to "in strict confidence"?

A more formal alternative would be "under condition of confidentiality" or "with utmost confidentiality".

Is it redundant to say "confidential information in strict confidence"?

Yes, it can be redundant. The phrase "in strict confidence" already implies that the information is confidential. Using just ""in strict confidence"" is often sufficient.

What's the difference between "in strict confidence" and "off the record"?

"Off the record" is often used in journalism to indicate information not for publication, while "in strict confidence" is a more general term for maintaining secrecy in any context.