keeping a secret

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keeping a secret" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to the act of not disclosing information that is meant to be confidential. Example: She was good at keeping a secret, even from her closest friends. Alternative expressions include "hiding a secret" and "guarding a secret."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's like the lost art of keeping a secret, but it keeps my tunes closer to me and other people.

The Guardian - Music

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

Another is keeping a secret.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Keeping a secret in publishing -- it's unbelievable".

The New York Times

But Pastor Foster was keeping a secret from her congregation.

The New York Times

It was as if I had been keeping a secret.

The Guardian - Books

Keeping a secret like that, she explained, "silences a piece of you inside".

The New York Times

"He believed if he didn't tell me about things it would be like keeping a secret.

Independent

If that's true, it just shows how good he is at keeping a secret.

The New Yorker

You then said there was a difference between keeping a secret and falsifying information.

The New York Times

But Mankiewicz, with his "Don't let this get around," was practically incapable of keeping a secret.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keeping a secret", be mindful of the ethical implications. Consider whether withholding information is justified in the given context.

Common error

While "keeping a secret" is common, consider your audience. In formal contexts, using more precise language, such as "maintaining confidentiality" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keeping a secret" functions as a gerund phrase, where "keeping" is a verb acting as a noun. It often serves as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples illustrate its widespread use in various contexts, confirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

20%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis reveals that "keeping a secret" is a very common and grammatically correct gerund phrase used to describe the act of withholding information. It appears frequently in News & Media and Wiki sources, suggesting a neutral register. While perfectly acceptable, more formal alternatives might be preferred in certain contexts. Ludwig's AI confirms the phrase's validity and widespread use, reinforcing the provided advice on ethical considerations and audience awareness. It's also important to note, as Ludwig demonstrates, the potential psychological burden associated with "keeping a secret".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintaining confidentiality

This alternative emphasizes the act of preserving the private nature of information.

guarding a confidence

This alternative focuses on the act of protecting information shared in trust.

concealing information

This alternative highlights the act of hiding facts or details.

suppressing the truth

This alternative implies a deliberate effort to prevent information from becoming known.

remaining silent about

This alternative stresses the choice not to disclose something.

not revealing information

This alternative simply states the act of withholding details.

holding back information

This alternative suggests a reluctance to share what one knows.

keeping quiet about

This alternative emphasizes discretion in not speaking about something.

bottling up a secret

This alternative emphasizes a sense of internal pressure from not sharing.

mum's the word

This alternative is an idiomatic expression meaning to keep something secret.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "keeping a secret"?

You can use alternatives like "maintaining confidentiality", "guarding a confidence", or "concealing information" depending on the specific context.

Is "keeping a secret" always negative?

No, "keeping a secret" isn't always negative. Sometimes, it's necessary to protect someone's privacy or prevent harm. However, it can become problematic when it leads to deception or mistrust.

What are the psychological effects of "keeping a secret"?

As suggested by Ludwig, "keeping a secret" can lead to stress and a feeling of being weighed down. Studies show it can impact mental and even physical well-being. Sharing can sometimes alleviate this burden.

Which is the difference between "keeping a secret" and "hiding something"?

While related, "keeping a secret" implies a deliberate choice not to reveal something, whereas "hiding something" suggests actively concealing it. The former can be passive, the latter is more active.