keep this a secret

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence 'keep this a secret' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want someone to not tell anyone else private information. For example, "Can you keep this a secret? I don't want anyone else to know."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

"We're trying to keep this a secret.

The New York Times - Sports

There is no need to keep this a secret.

The Guardian

What I had not realized -- and bakers keep this a secret for obvious reasons -- is how easy baking is.

The New York Times - Food

Since we all live very far away from one another it's been relatively easy to keep this a secret, but we will all be getting together over Thanksgiving.

The New York Times

Peter's talking to Zoe Ball now, saying how excited he is and how difficult it's been to keep this a secret.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Do you realise the Federal government is doing everything in its power - and some things well beyond its stated power - to keep this a secret?" Now you know.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

The doctor had kept this a secret from his wife, Elizabeth.

The New Yorker

Mr. Wang was close to Ms. Gu and kept this a secret, but in late January 2012, he said, he told Mr. Bo that his wife had poisoned Mr. Heywood.

The New York Times

While searching a motel for supplies, L.J. is bitten; he keeps this a secret instead of warning everyone.

Wikipedia

How could you have kept this a secret?' " she said in a 2006 interview for an oral history project in Del Rio.

Los Angeles Times

Buffy was in fact at peace, in what she thinks was heaven, but she has kept this a secret from her friends.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking someone to "keep this a secret", clearly state the reason why the information needs to remain confidential to ensure they understand the importance of their discretion.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by specifying exactly what information needs to be kept secret. Vague requests can lead to unintentional disclosures. For example, instead of just saying "keep this a secret", specify "keep our project launch date a secret until the official announcement".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep this a secret" functions as an imperative request, urging the listener to maintain confidentiality. It seeks to prevent the disclosure of specific information. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Wiki

19%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep this a secret" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that functions as an imperative request for discretion. Ludwig AI confirms the validity of the phrase. While its register is generally neutral, leaning towards informal, more formal contexts might require alternatives such as "maintain confidentiality". The phrase appears frequently in news and media as well as wiki sources. When using this phrase, be sure to clarify the scope of the secret to avoid any unintentional disclosures. Ultimately, understanding the context and audience will guide you in choosing the most appropriate phrasing to convey the need for secrecy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this stays between us

Directly indicates that the information should not be shared with anyone else.

please, keep it to yourself

A polite request for discretion, focusing on personal responsibility.

hold this in confidence

Emphasizes the trust placed in the listener to keep the information private.

let's keep this under wraps

Suggests concealing information to avoid premature disclosure.

ensure this remains private

Highlights the need to actively protect the privacy of the information.

maintain confidentiality

Focuses on the act of maintaining secrecy, rather than a direct request.

I'm telling you this in strict confidence

Explicitly states the confidential nature of the information being shared.

don't breathe a word of this

An idiomatic expression stressing the importance of absolute silence.

can you promise to keep mum?

An informal way to ask someone to remain silent about a matter.

swear you won't tell anyone

Adds a sense of urgency and seriousness to the request for secrecy.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "keep this a secret" in a formal setting?

In formal contexts, you can use alternatives like "maintain confidentiality" or "hold this in confidence" to convey the same message with added professionalism.

What's a more casual way to say "keep this a secret"?

Informally, you could say "this stays between us" or "don't breathe a word of this" to maintain a relaxed tone while emphasizing the need for discretion.

Is "keep this a secret" grammatically correct?

Yes, "keep this a secret" is grammatically correct and widely used in English. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples of its usage in reliable sources.

What's the difference between "keep this a secret" and "keep it confidential"?

While both phrases request discretion, "keep this a secret" is more general. "keep it confidential" specifically emphasizes the need to treat the information as confidential, which may be more suitable in formal settings.