is being withheld

USAGE SUMMARY

"is being withheld" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you need to convey that an entity is actively not providing something. For example, "The name of the suspect is being withheld by the police."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The woman, whose name is being withheld, had obtained two orders of protection against Mr. Villanueva.

The New York Times

The identity of the 4-year-old is being withheld, he said.

The New York Times

The identity of the newcomer is being withheld until Super Bowl Sunday.

The New York Times

Her name is being withheld by The New York Times to protect her privacy.

The New York Times

— that ultimately point to the idea of text or document that is being withheld from us.

The Washington Post

Police vow to use harder powers if they suspect evidence is being withheld.

The Guardian

Bonds has broken the records, but greatness is being withheld, his accomplishments clouded.

The New York Times - Sports

The water is being withheld during a drought to protect two species of fish.

The New York Times

The writer's full name is being withheld to protect her daughter's privacy.

The New York Times

His sister, whose name is being withheld for her protection, was supposed to arrive last week.

The Washington Post

"They said they would kill me," the woman, whose name is being withheld, later said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is being withheld" when you want to emphasize that information or an object is actively being kept back, often suggesting a deliberate decision not to disclose it. Consider the context to determine if a more specific verb, like 'suppressed' or 'concealed', might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using active voice when the actor is unknown or irrelevant. For instance, instead of saying 'They are withholding the information', prefer 'The information is being withheld' to maintain focus on the information itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is being withheld" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that something is the recipient of an action (withholding), rather than the performer. Ludwig examples showcase it often referring to information, names, or aid.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is being withheld" functions as a passive verb phrase, denoting that something is being intentionally kept back or not revealed. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. When using the phrase, it's important to consider whether a more specific term such as "suppressed" or "concealed" may be more appropriate. Avoid common errors such as using active voice when passive is more suitable. Alternative phrases like "is not being disclosed" may provide a more formal tone if necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is being held back

Indicates that something is being restrained or not allowed to progress or be revealed.

is not being disclosed

Emphasizes the lack of revelation or communication of information.

is not being shared

Focuses on the lack of distribution or communication of information among people.

is being kept secret

Focuses on the secrecy aspect, emphasizing that something is intentionally hidden.

is being concealed

Highlights the act of hiding something from view or knowledge.

is being suppressed

Suggests that something is being actively prevented from being known or expressed.

is being unrevealed

A more formal way of saying that something is not being made known.

is being kept from view

Highlights the aspect of preventing something from being seen or noticed.

is being embargoed

Specifically indicates a formal prohibition or restriction on the release of information.

is being classified

Indicates the information is being kept secret for security or other official reasons.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "is being withheld" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "is not being disclosed" or "is being suppressed", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is being withheld" in writing?

Use "is being withheld" when you want to emphasize that information, assistance, or an object is intentionally being kept back, often indicating a deliberate choice not to reveal or provide it. For instance, the police might withhold a suspect's name, or a company might withhold product specifications before launch.

What's the difference between "is being withheld" and "is being hidden"?

"Is being withheld" suggests a deliberate act of keeping something back, often information or assistance. "Is being hidden" implies concealing something from sight or knowledge, not necessarily with the intent of denying access or provision. They have slightly different connotation depending on the context.

What are some common reasons why information "is being withheld"?

Information "is being withheld" for many reasons. This can include protecting someone's privacy, maintaining security, avoiding premature disclosure of sensitive data, or due to ongoing investigations.