keep this secret

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep this secret" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are asking someone to keep some information confidential. For example: "I'm trusting you with this information - please keep this secret."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Ask yourself: 'Do I really have to keep this secret?' For the most part, keeping a secret creates more trouble than it's worth.

WikiHow

Did Philip promise to keep this secret?

The New Yorker

But how long can she keep this secret?

The Guardian

It disturbs me to keep this secret from my friend.

The New York Times - Magazine

According to Rusbridger, Heywood warned him, "No newspaper is equipped to keep this secret.

The New Yorker

"It's so wonderful not to keep this secret any longer, but it's been so fantastic".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

We kept this secret, and it is only now that we can reveal it.

The New York Times - Sports

"I have kept this secret from everyone I know for every day of my life.

The Guardian

I realised she'd kept this secret for 30 years and that she still loved this man.

The Guardian

He kept this secret identity – Clifford Tippy Grayay – so closely guarded that he didn't even share it with his children.

The Guardian - Sport

None of us – not Julie, or Sally or me – kept this secret to protect Julie from criticism.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking someone to "keep this secret", be clear about the scope of the secret. Specify who should not know and for how long the information should remain confidential.

Common error

Don't assume the other person understands the importance of keeping the secret. Explicitly state why it's important and what the potential consequences are if the secret is revealed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep this secret" functions as an imperative, directly instructing someone to maintain confidentiality. It's a request for silence and discretion, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep this secret" is a commonly used, grammatically correct imperative phrase used to request confidentiality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for general use. Its frequency across diverse sources like news media and wikis highlights its broad applicability. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "maintain confidentiality" or, more informally, "keep this quiet". When employing this phrase, ensure clarity about what the secret entails and its importance. While widely understood, explicitly stating the reasons for secrecy avoids misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep this quiet

A direct synonym, simply asking for silence on the matter.

maintain confidentiality

Focuses on the act of keeping something confidential, shifting from the direct request to a more formal description of the action.

please don't disclose this

A polite and formal way to request that information remains private.

hold this in confidence

Emphasizes the trust placed in the listener, highlighting the personal aspect of the secret.

guard this information closely

Stresses the need to actively protect the secret, implying potential risks if it's revealed.

don't breathe a word

An idiomatic expression that strongly urges silence and discretion, adding a sense of urgency.

this is just between us

Highlights the exclusivity and privacy of the shared information.

let's keep this under wraps

Suggests concealing something to avoid premature disclosure or attention.

mum's the word

An informal idiom ensuring silence, often used playfully or lightheartedly.

treat this as classified information

Elevates the seriousness of the secret by comparing it to classified documents, implying strict secrecy.

FAQs

How can I use "keep this secret" effectively in a sentence?

Use "keep this secret" to directly request confidentiality. For example, "I'm going to tell you something personal, please "keep this secret"."

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

In a more formal context, you could say "maintain confidentiality" or "treat this information as confidential". These phrases are suitable for professional or official settings.

What are some informal alternatives to "keep this secret"?

Informal alternatives include "keep this quiet", "mum's the word", or "don't breathe a word". These are suitable for casual conversations.

How important is it to be clear when asking someone to "keep this secret"?

It's very important. Clearly define what the secret is, who it should be kept from, and why it's important to maintain confidentiality. This prevents misunderstandings and ensures the secret is protected.