might be withheld

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "might be withheld" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility that something, such as information or a decision, may not be shared or provided. Example: "Due to privacy concerns, certain details of the investigation might be withheld from the public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Some information about communications with President Bush might be withheld as privileged, he added.

The New York Times

There are instances where someone's address might be withheld – for example, if they have a violent ex-partner.

The Guardian - Money

Some of the executives' pay is deferred for several years, and might be withheld if the bank does not perform as well as expected.

The New York Times

More unsettlingly, the algorithm used to calculate the score of an individual or organization might be withheld by the government from the individual herself.

The New Yorker

Senator Robert Menendez, Democrat of New Jersey and a sponsor of the Senate bill, said if the investigation is left to the agencies themselves, crucial information might be "withheld, skewed or destroyed before the public can consume it".

The New York Times

When challenged over the 15 September article, The Sun argued that the grant to the leader's office might be withheld if the leader refused to join the Privy Council – something which has never happened since state funding of opposition parties began.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

In the immediate aftermath of Sept. 11, it seemed as if the government might be withholding information from the public to preserve investigative or diplomatic secrets.

The New York Times

It also caused some friction with the media, who bristled at even the perception that we might be withholding any information.

Science Magazine

"Now, I'm aware that there have been a couple of astronauts in the past who've spoken out and said they know from other people that there's evidence of UFOs and spaceships that have visited the Earth and that the government might be withholding it.

Huffington Post

Amongst these documents, one clearly states that artificial nutrition and hydration should be considered as any other treatments and might be withhold or withdrawn when doing so is consistent with the patient's preferences (i.e. USA NHPCO IV).

BMC Palliative Care

Therefore, we felt it was necessary to share this report to draw attention to an important clinical complication and demonstrate the safety of an intervention that might otherwise be withheld during pregnancy due to concerns of the possible complications.

Sports Medicine - Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "might be withheld", consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the level of uncertainty. "Might" suggests possibility, but not certainty; use "will be withheld" if the action is definite.

Common error

While "might be withheld" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak or unclear. Where possible, rephrase the sentence in active voice to improve clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might be withheld" functions as a modal passive construction. It expresses the possibility that something is being kept back or not revealed. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "might be withheld" is a grammatically sound phrase that expresses the possibility of non-disclosure or suppression. Ludwig AI confirms that it is most commonly used in News & Media and Scientific contexts, indicating a neutral register. Related phrases such as "could be withheld" or "may be kept secret" offer subtle variations in meaning. When using this phrase, remember to consider the level of certainty you wish to convey and avoid overuse of passive voice. Ensure this term aligns with your intent to signify possibility rather than a confirmed action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be withheld

Replaces "might" with "could", suggesting a possibility but perhaps with less certainty.

may be withheld

Substitutes "might" with "may", indicating a similar level of probability or possibility.

could be kept back

Replaces "withheld" with "kept back", providing a slightly more informal alternative.

may be kept secret

Replaces "withheld" with "kept secret", emphasizing the intention of concealment.

might not be disclosed

Uses a negative construction focusing on the lack of disclosure rather than the act of withholding.

might be suppressed

Replaces "withheld" with "suppressed", suggesting a more forceful action to prevent information from being known.

might be concealed

Substitutes "withheld" with "concealed", highlighting the act of hiding information.

information may not be released

Shifts the focus to the action of releasing information and its potential absence.

information might be unavailable

Emphasizes the inaccessibility of the information, rather than the act of intentionally withholding it.

there's a possibility it will be withheld

Introduces a more verbose and less direct way of expressing the potential for information to be withheld.

FAQs

How can I use "might be withheld" in a sentence?

You can use "might be withheld" to express the possibility that information or something else may not be revealed or given. For example: "Some details of the investigation "might be withheld" to protect the privacy of those involved."

What are some alternatives to "might be withheld"?

Alternatives include "could be withheld", "may be withheld", or "could be kept back" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "might be withheld" grammatically correct?

Yes, "might be withheld" is grammatically correct. "Might" is a modal verb indicating possibility, "be" is an auxiliary verb, and "withheld" is the past participle of "withhold", forming a passive construction.

What's the difference between "might be withheld" and "will be withheld"?

"Might be withheld" suggests a possibility or uncertainty, whereas "will be withheld" indicates a definite future action. For example, "Information "might be withheld" during the initial stages of the investigation" implies it's not certain, but "Information "will be withheld" until the trial" suggests a firm decision.