in total secrecy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in total secrecy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action or event that is conducted without anyone else knowing, emphasizing the complete lack of disclosure. Example: "The negotiations were held in total secrecy to prevent any leaks to the media."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

It was all done in total secrecy.

The Guardian - Music

Little wonder that Britain wanted to fight this war in total secrecy.

The Guardian

Kristensen said last night: "It's so puzzling why Nato goes about the reduction in total secrecy.

The Guardian

Inventors outside the United States "have to operate in total secrecy," says Hayes-Rines.

MIT Technology Review

The new group, Sadr's statement said, would operate in "total secrecy" and attack only American forces.

The Washington Post

The new executive order means it will be harder for the next president to kill in total secrecy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

There's still something of the otherworldly in Beyoncé, though, because she was able to perpetrate the most elaborate diss in hip-hop history in almost total secrecy.

The Guardian - Music

For several years, Arkady Rotenberg, one of Russia's richest men, has been conducting aspects of his divorce proceedings in a London court in almost total secrecy.

The Times

The president has expanded the use of SOF, operating in virtually total secrecy and without any accountability to Congress, in one country after another.

The Guardian - Opinion

The move is highly unusual, because the court -- which approves warrants for electronic surveillance within the United States by intelligence and counterterrorism agencies -- operates in almost total secrecy and has made only one ruling public in its 29-year history.

The Washington Post

In nearly total secrecy, and under pressure from the White House, Hayden sanctioned warrantless domestic surveillance.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in total secrecy" to emphasize the complete absence of disclosure or public knowledge about an event, action, or information. This phrase works well when highlighting the importance of keeping something completely hidden.

Common error

Avoid using "in total secrecy" when only partial confidentiality is intended. If some individuals are aware, or if some aspects are public, choose a phrase that reflects a lesser degree of secrecy, such as "in confidence" or "discreetly".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in total secrecy" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb or clause, indicating the manner in which an action is performed or a state exists. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its role in describing the secret nature of various activities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Encyclopedias

9%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in total secrecy" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that describes actions or events conducted with complete confidentiality. As Ludwig AI validates, it appears most often in news and media, encyclopedia and academic contexts. While variations like "in strict confidence" or "behind closed doors" exist, "in total secrecy" emphasizes the absolute absence of disclosure. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the situation, avoiding its application when partial confidentiality is present.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in strict confidence

Focuses on the confidentiality aspect, implying a high degree of trust and discretion.

under a veil of secrecy

Emphasizes the hidden nature of the activity or information, using a metaphorical expression.

behind closed doors

Indicates privacy and exclusion from public view, often suggesting a formal setting.

in utmost privacy

Highlights the private and secluded nature of the action or event.

clandestinely

Suggests a secret and often illicit or unauthorized manner.

covertly

Emphasizes the hidden and secretive nature of the action, often involving deception.

surreptitiously

Highlights the stealthy and secretive nature, often to avoid detection.

under the radar

Implies avoiding attention or scrutiny, suggesting a desire to remain unnoticed.

off the record

Indicates that the information is not intended for public knowledge or reporting.

hush-hush

Informal term suggesting secrecy and confidentiality, often used in a playful way.

FAQs

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

You can use "in total secrecy" to describe events or actions kept completely hidden from the public or specific individuals. For example, "The negotiations were conducted "in total secrecy" to avoid leaks to the press."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "in total secrecy"?

Some alternatives include phrases like "in strict confidence", "behind closed doors", or "under a veil of secrecy", each offering a slightly different nuance.

Is it grammatically correct to say "in total secrecy"?

Yes, "in total secrecy" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written and spoken English. Ludwig AI confirms its validity through numerous examples from reputable sources.

What is the difference between "in complete secrecy" and "in total secrecy"?

While both phrases are very similar, "in total secrecy" emphasizes the absolute and comprehensive nature of the secrecy. "In complete secrecy" is also acceptable and often interchangeable, but "in total secrecy" might suggest a slightly greater degree of concealment.