maintain discretion

USAGE SUMMARY

"maintain discretion" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the act of keeping information private or confidential. For example: "The organization asked its employees to maintain discretion when discussing sensitive matters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

This is why judges should maintain discretion in determining who goes to treatment, not district attorneys.

The New York Times

As we know, RC goes to great lengths in order to maintain discretion.

The Guardian - Business

In internal memos, HSBC displayed concern about handing over the banknotes, but sought to justify its behaviour by recording: "RC goes to great lengths to maintain discretion".

The Guardian - Business

In recent years, cracks have begun to appear and royal aides and ministers are now battling on several fronts to maintain discretion around Charles's interventions.

The Guardian

The rollout of body cameras by the Victorian state police is an example of "pretend accountability" because officers maintain discretion over when to use the devices and sanctions for misuse are not clear, critics claim.

The Guardian

It was not immediately clear whether this stemmed from an agreement between the sides to maintain discretion, or if it was part of an Israeli effort to play down the idea it was making any concessions to Hamas.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Halsey maintains discretion.

Independent

The crossbench bill, which passed the Senate late last year but didn't reach the House because of prolonged filibustering by government senators and Cory Bernardi, would give doctors more say in who needed to be transferred, although the minister maintains discretion in blocking evacuations on national security grounds.

The Guardian

Still, with Mr. Kerry set to arrive here on Thursday — his fourth visit to Israel and the West Bank in eight weeks — Israeli and Palestinian officials were at least quick to express their mutual support for his efforts while maintaining discretion about the details of his talks.

The New York Times

Examples of these were: the central place of sexual experience in masculine identity; concepts of feminine sexual respectability; the importance of maintaining discretion in sexual relationships, rather than strict adherence to moral norms; and negative beliefs about condoms.

Culture, Health and Sexuality

No matter how robust the framework is, employees and middle managers will maintain some discretion to take actions that are not being monitored or managed for customer appropriateness.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "maintain discretion" in professional contexts, ensure it aligns with ethical guidelines and legal requirements related to confidentiality and data protection.

Common error

Avoid using "maintain discretion" in casual conversation where simpler phrases like "keep it quiet" or "don't tell anyone" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintain discretion" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "maintain" is the verb and "discretion" is the object. According to Ludwig, it is a correct and usable phrase to describe keeping information private.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "maintain discretion" is a commonly used expression that advises or emphasizes the need for preserving confidentiality and exercising prudence. According to Ludwig, this phrase is considered correct and usable in written English. The analysis of examples reveals that it is frequently employed in news, scientific, and wiki contexts, reflecting its relevance across various domains. While generally neutral to formal in register, its use should be adapted to the specific context, avoiding overuse in casual conversation. Alternatives such as "preserve confidentiality" or "exercise prudence" may be considered depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

secure confidentiality

Highlights the act of ensuring confidentiality, suggesting a proactive approach to maintaining secrecy.

preserve confidentiality

Emphasizes the act of keeping information private, shifting focus from general discretion to data protection.

ensure privacy

Places emphasis on guaranteeing privacy, suggesting a proactive approach to maintaining confidentiality.

uphold confidentiality

Similar to 'preserve confidentiality' but suggests a stronger commitment or duty to keep information secret.

guard secrecy

Emphasizes the protection of secrets, implying a careful and vigilant approach to prevent disclosure.

keep under wraps

An idiomatic expression indicating secrecy or concealment, less formal than "maintain discretion".

exercise prudence

Focuses on cautious and wise decision-making, related to discretion but broader in application.

observe restraint

Highlights self-control and moderation, suggesting a deliberate holding back of information or action.

retain autonomy

Shifts the focus to preserving independence and self-governance, implying the ability to make decisions freely.

protect privacy

Specifically targets the safeguarding of personal information, narrower than general discretion.

FAQs

How can I use "maintain discretion" in a sentence?

You can use "maintain discretion" to describe the act of keeping something confidential, such as: "The company urged its employees to maintain discretion regarding the new product launch."

What are some alternatives to "maintain discretion"?

Alternatives include "preserve confidentiality", "keep under wraps", or "exercise prudence", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "maintain discretion" in informal settings?

While grammatically correct, "maintain discretion" is generally better suited for formal or professional contexts. In informal settings, simpler phrases may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "maintain discretion" and "ensure privacy"?

"Maintain discretion" refers to keeping matters confidential generally, whereas "ensure privacy" specifically emphasizes protecting personal data and information.