keep in strict confidence

USAGE SUMMARY

"keep in strict confidence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking somebody to not share information that is intended to be private and known only to a certain group of people. For example, "Please keep the details of our meeting in strict confidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Science

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

Yale University

All the information that you provide will be kept in strict confidence.

Duke University

Your personal identity and your congregation's identity also will be kept in strict confidence.

Duke University

Shelly Storbeck of the executive search firm Storbeck/Pimentel has been retained to facilitate the search, Daniels said, adding that thoughts and nominations, which will be kept in strict confidence, should be sent directly to the search committee at [email protected].

Johns Hopkins University

These types of activities could be under-reported by youth, even though the respondents were specifically instructed that their responses to these questions have no bearing on the chances of program participation and that all responses are kept in strict confidence.

IZA Journal of Development and Migration

Individual information was kept in strict confidence by storing in locked rooms and cabinets and password-protected computers.

Plosone

All discussions at the meetings are kept in strict confidence, by JAMA's standing rules.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

All patient data are being kept in strict confidence and managed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.

BMJ Open

All patient data will be kept in strict confidence and managed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.

BMJ Open

The list containing the subjects name and allocation numbers are kept in strict confidence by the principal investigator.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Furthermore, clinic data collected for public health purposes are securely kept in strict confidence by PHE and subject to regulations made under Section 251 of the National Health Service Act 2006.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When requesting confidentiality, specify the exact information that should be kept secret and the duration for which it should be protected.

Common error

Avoid using "keep in strict confidence" in casual conversations where a simpler request for privacy would suffice. Overusing formal language can sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep in strict confidence" functions as a directive, often used to ensure discretion and prevent the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep in strict confidence" is used to emphasize the importance of maintaining secrecy and preventing unauthorized disclosure of information. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While the phrase is grammatically sound, its frequency is limited, and it is often found in professional contexts. When using this phrase, clearly define what information needs to be protected and for how long. Alternative phrases include "maintain confidentiality" or "hold in confidence" which can be used depending on the level of formality required. In summary, while grammatically correct and understandable, "keep in strict confidence" is best suited for formal situations where emphasizing secrecy is critical.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain confidentiality

Changes the verb to "maintain" and uses the noun form of "confidence," resulting in a more concise expression.

hold in confidence

Replaces "keep" with "hold," creating a slightly more formal tone while preserving the core meaning.

treat as confidential

Shifts the focus to the action of treating something as confidential, implying a specific handling procedure.

ensure privacy

Focuses on the outcome of maintaining privacy, rather than the act of keeping something secret.

protect sensitive information

Specifies the type of information being protected, making it more explicit and business-oriented.

safeguard classified data

Implies a higher level of security and formality, suitable for governmental or military contexts.

do not disclose

Emphasizes the prohibition of revealing information, often used in legal or contractual settings.

keep under wraps

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey the idea of keeping something secret, adding a more informal tone.

observe discretion

Highlights the importance of using good judgment and restraint in revealing information.

respect privileged communication

Applies specifically to communications that are legally protected and must be kept secret.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep in strict confidence" when you want to emphasize the importance of not disclosing certain information. For example, "Please "keep in strict confidence" the details of our negotiation until the agreement is finalized."

What is a less formal alternative to "keep in strict confidence"?

Less formal alternatives include "keep it secret", "keep it quiet", or "don't tell anyone". The choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

What does "strict confidence" mean?

"Strict confidence" means that the information shared should not be revealed to anyone outside of a specific group or context. It implies a high degree of trust and discretion.

Is it redundant to say "keep in strict confidence"?

While "confidence" inherently implies secrecy, adding "strict" emphasizes the critical importance of maintaining that secrecy. It is not strictly redundant, but rather serves to reinforce the message.