keep to myself

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression "keep to myself" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to express the idea of not sharing information with others, either because the speaker/writer feels uncomfortable doing so or because the information is confidential. For example: "I'm sorry but I can't tell you any more. I'm going to have to keep this to myself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's all I'll say". "That stuff I keep to myself". But isn't she wearing a wedding ring?

Los Angeles Times

"I keep to myself".

The New Yorker

Just gonna keep to myself.

Harvard University

These days, I keep to myself.

The New York Times - Arts

"I keep to myself mostly," she said.

The New York Times

I like to keep to myself.

The Guardian - Sport

I'm not so vocal; I try to keep to myself".

The New York Times - Sports

He told me something I want to keep to myself.

Independent

But they're just too good to keep to myself.

The Guardian - Books

Other things happened that I prefer to keep to myself.

The New Yorker

What was said then I'll keep to myself.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep to myself" when you want to express that you are not sharing information, emotions, or company with others. It is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "keep to myself" is versatile, avoid overusing it in highly formal or professional writing where more precise terms like "maintain confidentiality" or "withhold information" might be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep to myself" functions primarily as a predicate in a sentence, indicating a state or action related to the subject. According to Ludwig AI, it expresses not sharing information, feelings, or company. Examples show its use in contexts ranging from personal preferences to maintaining confidentiality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keep to myself" is a very common and grammatically correct expression used to convey a desire for privacy, discretion, or solitude. Ludwig AI indicates that it is frequently employed to express not sharing information, feelings, or company. Predominantly found in news and media, it maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse communication scenarios. While versatile, more formal alternatives may be preferable in highly professional or academic contexts. The phrase effectively communicates a preference for personal space or confidentiality, as demonstrated through numerous real-world examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain private

Focuses on maintaining privacy regarding personal matters or information.

be reserved

Indicates a tendency to be cautious and restrained in expressing oneself.

stay solitary

Emphasizes a preference for being alone and avoiding social interaction.

be reticent

Highlights a reluctance to speak or reveal one's thoughts and feelings.

hold back information

Highlights the act of withholding specific details or knowledge.

internalize

Focuses on processing emotions or thoughts internally rather than expressing them outwardly.

keep things confidential

Stresses the importance of maintaining secrecy and discretion.

stay out of the limelight

Indicates an active avoidance of public attention or scrutiny.

not disclose

A formal way of saying to not reveal information.

clam up

Suggests a sudden refusal to speak or share information, often due to discomfort or resistance.

FAQs

How can I use "keep to myself" in a sentence?

You can use "keep to myself" to indicate that you prefer solitude, like in the sentence, "I usually "keep to myself" on airplanes and elevators". It can also mean you're not sharing information, as in, "He told me something I want to "keep to myself"".

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

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "maintain confidentiality" or "withhold information" instead of ""keep to myself"".

Is it correct to say "kept to myself"?

Yes, "kept to myself" is the past tense form of ""keep to myself"" and is grammatically correct. For example, "I "kept to myself" at the party because I didn't know anyone".

What's the difference between "keep to myself" and "stick to myself"?

"Keep to myself" generally refers to maintaining privacy or not sharing information, while "stick to myself" emphasizes avoiding social interaction or remaining alone. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing privacy or solitude.