keep it private

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep it private" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to explain to somebody that something should remain confidential or not be shared with others. For example, you can say "Let's keep this arrangement between us and keep it private."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Whatever we're doing privately, we'll keep it private until we have some sort of announcement".

The New York Times - Sports

These might include actions that render the property essentially worthless, undermine an owner's right to keep it private, or greatly limit its use.

The New York Times

"There's no way you can really keep it private".

The New Yorker

I like to keep it private", she says.

Independent

"It's a private deal, so keep it private".

The New York Times

"It is one in which both parties to the past relationship wish to keep it private".

The Guardian

And some ground has been fraudulently reclassified to keep it private.

The Guardian - Opinion

People do care about where that check-in information is being shared and want to keep it private.

The New York Times

The rabbi approached the State Department and was asked to keep it private until it could be confirmed.

The New York Times

She wants to keep it private, but admits to collecting younger artists, often "sillier, obscure, quirky things".

The Guardian - Arts

But I try now very much to keep this away from my political life, to keep it private".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking someone to "keep it private", be clear about the specific information that needs to remain confidential and for how long.

Common error

Don't assume everyone interprets "private" the same way. Clarify who should be excluded from the information and any specific actions that should be avoided (e.g. sharing on social media).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep it private" functions primarily as an imperative, directing someone to maintain the confidentiality of information. Ludwig shows examples across diverse contexts where this phrase is used to ensure discretion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Academia

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep it private" is a common and direct way to ask someone to maintain confidentiality. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, especially in News & Media and informal settings like Wiki. While seemingly straightforward, it's essential to be clear about the scope of what "private" entails to avoid misunderstandings. Alternatives like "keep it confidential" or "do not disclose" can offer similar meanings but may carry different connotations depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep it confidential

Uses the adjective "confidential" instead of "private", emphasizing secrecy.

keep it secret

A more direct synonym using the adjective "secret".

do not disclose

A direct instruction to avoid revealing information.

maintain confidentiality

Focuses on the act of maintaining secrecy, often in a professional context.

refrain from sharing

Emphasizes the act of abstaining from sharing information.

hold it in confidence

Emphasizes the trust placed in someone to keep information secret.

observe discretion

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

keep under wraps

An idiomatic expression meaning to keep something secret.

treat as classified information

Suggests a formal requirement for secrecy, often in governmental or organizational settings.

keep mum about it

Informal idiom meaning to remain silent about something.

FAQs

How can I politely ask someone to "keep it private"?

You can politely ask someone to "keep it private" by saying, "Could you please "keep this confidential"?" or "I'd appreciate it if you would "not disclose this" to anyone."

What's the difference between "keep it private" and "keep it secret"?

"Keep it private" generally means limiting access to a specific group or individual, whereas "keep it secret" implies concealing the information from everyone. The nuance lies in the scope of who the information is being withheld from.

Is it always appropriate to ask someone to "keep it private"?

No, it's not always appropriate. Consider the context and the nature of the information. Asking someone to "keep it private" may be inappropriate if it involves illegal or unethical activities. In such cases, it may be your duty to disclose the information.

What are some situations where I should "keep it private"?

You should "keep it private" when dealing with personal health information, sensitive business strategies, or confidential family matters. Respecting privacy is crucial in maintaining trust and professional ethics.