must be withheld

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must be withheld" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where information or materials are required to be kept back or not disclosed for various reasons, such as confidentiality or legal obligations. Example: "Due to privacy concerns, certain personal information must be withheld from the public record."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Information must be withheld in the short run to safeguard corrupting their stories.

The New York Times

The judge, Ricardo Urbina, ruled that the information must be withheld on the grounds that the parliamentary body was part of a "foreign government entity".

The Guardian

Twelve of the cables "must be withheld in full" because they are classified as secret or contain important information, Alex Galovich, of the department's Office of Information Programs and Services, wrote to the A.C.L.U. on Oct. 21.

The New York Times

Last month, Mr. Tenet told members of Congress that some of the documents in question must be withheld because they presented "a pattern of activity that had the effect of revealing intelligence methods that have been employed worldwide".

The New York Times

When anticoagulation must be withheld, inferior vena cava (IVC) interruption affords protection against major embolic events likely to be life threatening.

The Vein Book

Not only will the individuals from whom care must be withheld have a face and an identity, the allocator himself will be a specific individual who will have to make an allocation choice in a specific situation.

Health Economics Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The Americans must be withholding electricity as revenge for the attacks on soldiers.

The New York Times

Access to medication and services must not be withheld on the grounds of ethnicity, sexuality or gender.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ethics guidelines emphasise that evidence based information must not be withheld if decline of screening is anticipated.

British Medical Journal

Not that he thinks emotion should ever be withheld, only that the whole piece must not lose its tension.

The Guardian - Music

Students and parents must be given an opportunity to request that the information be withheld.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "must be withheld", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is responsible for withholding the information or action. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "must be withheld" in casual conversation or informal writing. The phrase is formal and can sound overly rigid or bureaucratic in less formal settings. Instead, opt for simpler alternatives like "shouldn't be shared" or "needs to be kept quiet".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must be withheld" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating a strong obligation or requirement for something to be kept back or not disclosed. Ludwig AI confirms this is a valid and usable English phrase. The modal verb "must" expresses necessity, and the passive voice indicates that the subject is acted upon, rather than performing the action.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "must be withheld" is a formal phrase used to indicate a strong obligation to keep something back or not disclose it. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most commonly found in news and scientific contexts, requiring careful attention to clarity and audience. While grammatically correct, it's best to avoid it in informal settings and ensure the context clearly identifies who is responsible for withholding the information. Consider more colloquial alternatives like "shouldn't be shared" or "needs to be kept quiet" for casual use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be suppressed

This alternative suggests that something should be actively prevented from being known or expressed.

is required to be confidential

This alternative highlights the legal or ethical obligation to keep something private.

must remain undisclosed

This emphasizes the need to keep something from being revealed or made public.

needs to be concealed

This emphasizes the need for secrecy or hiding something from view.

is imperative to conceal

This emphasizes the critical importance of keeping something hidden.

has to be kept secret

This alternative highlights the requirement of maintaining confidentiality.

should not be revealed

This suggests that something should be actively avoided from being known or expressed.

is essential to suppress

This highlights the necessity of preventing something from becoming known.

should be deferred

This focuses on postponing or delaying something until a later time.

ought to be restricted

This suggests limiting access or availability to something.

FAQs

What does "must be withheld" mean?

The phrase "must be withheld" means that something is required or obligated to be kept back, not revealed, or not allowed to proceed. It implies a necessity for secrecy or restraint.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "must be withheld"?

The phrase "must be withheld" is appropriate in formal contexts, such as legal documents, official reports, or professional communications, where there is a clear need to emphasize the obligation to keep something confidential or restricted.

What are some alternative ways to express the idea of "must be withheld"?

You can use alternatives like "should be suppressed", "needs to be concealed", or "has to be kept secret" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "must be withheld" too formal for everyday conversation?

Yes, "must be withheld" is generally too formal for everyday conversation. In informal settings, it is better to use phrases like "shouldn't be shared" or "needs to be kept quiet".