keep it a secret

USAGE SUMMARY

"keep it a secret" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to encourage someone to keep something confidential. For example: "I'm going to tell you a secret, but please remember to keep it a secret."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So why keep it a secret?

The New York Times

Let's not keep it a secret.

The New York Times - Travel

"People keep it a secret.

The Guardian

Jesus wanted to keep it a secret.

Yale University

We're going to keep it a secret.

Yale University

But can he keep it a secret?

The New York Times

But I will keep it a secret.

The Guardian - Music

Do not keep it a secret.

The Guardian - Opinion

Might they not keep it a secret?

The Guardian

He didn't even try to keep it a secret.

The New York Times

The Moroccans wanted to keep it a secret".

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When sharing sensitive information, explicitly request "keep it a secret" to ensure the recipient understands the importance of confidentiality.

Common error

Avoid assuming the recipient knows what aspects of the information should be kept secret. Clearly define the boundaries of what needs to be kept confidential when using "keep it a secret".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep it a secret" functions as an imperative, specifically a request or command. It instructs the listener to maintain confidentiality about a particular piece of information. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

20%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keep it a secret" is a grammatically sound and commonly used imperative that serves to maintain confidentiality. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's widely accepted in English. While versatile, its formality can range from neutral to informal, making it suitable for diverse contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, and Wiki, it emphasizes the importance of discretion. When using this phrase, clarity is crucial, so ensure the recipient understands the boundaries of the information to be kept confidential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep it quiet

A more general way to ask someone not to disclose information.

maintain confidentiality

Focuses on the act of keeping information private in a professional or formal setting.

don't breathe a word

Emphasizes the importance of not telling anyone.

observe secrecy

Highlights the act of maintaining secrecy as a principle or practice.

hold it back

Implies withholding information that might otherwise be revealed.

keep under wraps

Suggests concealing something carefully.

keep mum

An informal way to say to remain silent about something.

bury the secret

Highlights the intent to supress the secret so it's never known.

keep in the dark

Implies hiding knowledge from someone or a group of people.

clam up about it

Suggests a sudden unwillingness to speak about a particular topic.

FAQs

How can I politely ask someone to "keep it a secret"?

You can say something like, "I'm going to tell you something personal, but please "keep it a secret"." or "This is just between us, so "keep it a secret", okay?"

What's a more formal way to say "keep it a secret"?

In a more formal setting, you might say "Please treat this information as confidential" or "This information should not be disclosed to others."

When is it okay to not "keep it a secret"?

It's generally acceptable to break a confidence if someone is in danger or if a crime has been committed. Ethical and legal obligations may override the promise to ""keep it a secret"" in such situations.

Are there alternatives to "keep it a secret" that emphasize urgency?

Phrases like "Don't breathe a word of this to anyone!" or "This needs to stay completely under wraps for now" can add a sense of urgency or heightened confidentiality compared to simply saying ""keep it a secret"".