maintain secrecy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maintain secrecy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the need to keep information confidential or hidden from others. Example: "In order to protect sensitive information, it is crucial to maintain secrecy regarding our client's data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

He has reportedly lobbied hard to maintain secrecy on past abuses.

The New Yorker

Prior notice is needed to protect the remaining 1% because tabloids maintain secrecy when they suspect publication is illegal.

The Guardian

The public nature of the suit undermines a key goal of the clause: to maintain secrecy around such allegations.

The New Yorker

Although top Korean officials generally retain drivers, Mr. Lee said the country's leader often required officials to drive alone to the meetings to maintain secrecy.

The New York Times

With much of the base physical work taking place away from tournaments, players have the means and the incentive to maintain secrecy.

The New York Times

Johnson took pains to point out that the new law in no way impaired the President's ability to maintain secrecy "when national interest so requires".

The New Yorker

Despite all efforts to maintain secrecy, the third route was discovered­ around the middle of October, after it had been in operation exactly two weeks.

The New Yorker

Local radio has hinted, the virtual world has Tweeted – but the organisers are keen to maintain secrecy, so we're all pretty much in the dark.

Independent

Disney erected a huge tent, covering four blocks of Hollywood Boulevard in an effort to maintain secrecy outside the Chinese, Dolby and El Capitan theatres.

The Guardian - Film

This kind of sweeping secrecy has led to tense exchanges in courtrooms, and the crumbling of prosecution's cases, as they attempt to maintain secrecy.

The Guardian

It is tempting to maintain secrecy when deciding who the chosen successor will be, but support and buy-in is needed from those affected by the outcome.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sensitive topics, use "maintain secrecy" to emphasize the active effort required to keep information confidential.

Common error

Avoid using "maintain secrecy" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "keep it quiet" or "don't tell anyone" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintain secrecy" functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of actively preserving confidentiality or keeping information hidden. Ludwig indicates it's correct and usable, further confirming its proper grammatical function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "maintain secrecy" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression across diverse contexts. Ludwig confirms its usability, and it serves to emphasize the act of keeping information confidential, particularly in sensitive or strategic situations. While prevalent in news and media, its usage extends to scientific and formal business settings. When seeking alternative phrasing, consider options like "preserve confidentiality" or "ensure discretion" to add nuance. When communicating, avoid being overly formal if unnecessary to convey effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep information private

A simple and direct way of stating the need for secrecy.

preserve confidentiality

Focuses more on the ethical or legal aspect of keeping information private.

prevent disclosure

Highlights the act of stopping secrets from becoming public.

ensure discretion

Emphasizes the need for careful and prudent behavior to protect secrets.

uphold confidentiality

Highlights the act of protecting sensitive information by agreement or regulation.

observe discretion

Underscores careful and restrained behavior to avoid revealing secrets.

keep under wraps

An idiomatic expression suggesting concealing something carefully.

conceal information

Focuses on actively hiding or preventing information from being known.

protect classified information

Specific to government or organizational secrets with security levels.

safeguard classified data

More technical alternative, suitable for digital or documented secrets.

FAQs

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

You can use "maintain secrecy" to describe the act of keeping information hidden. For example: "The success of the mission depended on our ability to "maintain secrecy"."

What are some alternatives to "maintain secrecy"?

Some alternatives include "preserve confidentiality", "keep under wraps", or "ensure discretion", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "maintain secrecy" or "keep secret"?

"Maintain secrecy" implies a more active and ongoing effort to protect information, while "keep secret" is a more general statement about not revealing something. The best choice depends on the context.

When is it important to "maintain secrecy"?

It's crucial to "maintain secrecy" in situations where revealing information could have negative consequences, such as in military operations, business negotiations, or legal proceedings.