information in confidence

USAGE SUMMARY

"information in confidence" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used when something sensitive needs to be shared, and it is generally understood that the information should not be further shared. For example, "I'll share this information in confidence, please keep it between us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

One provision of the rule provides that the requisite duty arises "whenever a person agrees to maintain information in confidence".

The New York Times

"Every journalist everywhere in the world understands that if they receive information in confidence they have an obligation to keep that in confidence.

The Guardian

If you would like to pass on information in confidence, you can send a message via the Guardian's SecureDrop service (see how here).

The Guardian

In the clause, Bloomberg promises to keep large swaths of information "in confidence," meaning that it won't be shared with "third parties".

The New York Times

In the letter, Pearce said Soca provided the client list to the committee in accordance with Cabinet Office guidelines on the handling of sensitive information in confidence to select committees.

The Guardian

And safeguarding the anonymity of those who provide information in confidence is perhaps the core principle of New York's journalistic privilege, as is evident from our colonial tradition, the constitutional text and the legislative history of the Shield Law".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

It is understood that the exemptions used by officials in the Cabinet Office cover an obligation to withhold personal information and information given in confidence.

Independent

Canadian civil servants heavily redacted the emails, citing parts of the Access to Information Act that allow for withholding information "obtained in confidence" whose release may be "injurious to the conduct of international affairs".

Vice

He added that while it was appropriate to seek to protect information supplied in confidence, "it's quite another thing for a judge to issue an order aimed at the world that information be placed in a memory hole" should the process break down.

The New York Times

Mr. Bush's order stipulates that all information provided in confidence by a foreign government is presumed classified.

The New York Times

Sir Anthony declined a peerage in June 2010 after the House of Lords Commission declined to support his nomination because of information received in confidence form the tax authorities.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When sharing "information in confidence", clearly state your expectations regarding its privacy to avoid misunderstandings. For instance, preface your disclosure with "I'm sharing this information in confidence, please do not disclose it to others".

Common error

Do not assume that information shared is automatically considered "information in confidence". Explicitly state that the information is confidential and should not be shared further.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "information in confidence" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used adverbially to modify verbs like 'share', 'provide', or 'receive'. It indicates the terms under which information is communicated, emphasizing the expectation of privacy and discretion. Ludwig examples show its practical use in contexts ranging from legal matters to personal relationships.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "information in confidence" is a prepositional phrase used to specify that shared information should remain private. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, it's essential to be explicit about the expectation of privacy to avoid misunderstandings. Related phrases include "confidential information" and "private disclosure". Remember to state clearly when sharing "information in confidence" to ensure it is treated with the appropriate discretion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

confidential information

Focuses on the nature of the information itself being confidential.

information shared privately

Emphasizes the private nature of the sharing act.

information given discreetly

Highlights the careful and subtle manner of sharing.

secret information

Implies the information is not generally known.

off-the-record information

Indicates the information is not for public attribution.

privileged information

Suggests a legal or ethical protection of the information.

classified information

Highlights information that has been given security classification.

information under the seal of secrecy

Emphasizes a binding obligation to maintain secrecy.

private disclosure

Focuses on the act of revealing information privately.

information shared with the understanding of privacy

Clarifies the explicit agreement to keep the information private.

FAQs

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

You can use "information in confidence" to emphasize that something is being shared with the expectation that it will remain private, like "I'm telling you this "information in confidence", please don't share it with anyone else".

What does it mean to share "information in confidence"?

Sharing "information in confidence" means entrusting someone with sensitive details under the explicit or implicit agreement that they will not disclose it to others.

What is a synonym for "information in confidence"?

Alternatives to "information in confidence" include "confidential information", "private disclosure" or "off-the-record information", each conveying a similar sense of secrecy and trust.

When is it appropriate to share "information in confidence"?

It's appropriate to share "information in confidence" when you need to disclose sensitive details to someone you trust to maintain privacy, such as a lawyer, doctor, or close friend.