not be disclosed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not be disclosed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that certain information should remain confidential or not be shared publicly. Example: "The terms of the agreement will not be disclosed to any third parties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

(She requested that her last name not be disclosed).

The New York Times - Style

The sale price will not be disclosed, he added.

The New York Times

The ministry replied that such information was a state secret and could not be disclosed.

The New York Times

But the intelligence services are determined that wiretap evidence should not be disclosed.

The Economist

In fact, as national security information, it may not be disclosed to anyone.

The New York Times

Enterprise Holdings said terms of the acquisition would not be disclosed.

The New York Times

(American Express, nervous about security, asked that its exact location not be disclosed).

The New York Times

The E.P.A. routinely requires that some information not be disclosed to a company's competitors.

The New York Times

Who decided that the operation would not be disclosed to the Macpherson inquiry?

The Guardian - Opinion

She requested the location not be disclosed as she continues to fear for her life.

The Guardian

Swiss champions Basel said the fee will not be disclosed, though it is reportedly €25m (£20m).

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not be disclosed" when you want to clearly state that information should remain confidential, whether by request, regulation, or necessity.

Common error

Overusing passive voice can sometimes make your writing seem vague or evasive. While "not be disclosed" is appropriate in many contexts, consider whether an active construction might be clearer and more direct. For example, instead of "The information will not be disclosed by the company", using "The company will withhold the information" can enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not be disclosed" functions as a passive construction, indicating that information is being withheld or kept confidential. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

31%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not be disclosed" is a grammatically correct and commonly used way to indicate that information is to be kept confidential. According to Ludwig, it is versatile, appearing in news, scientific, and business contexts, signifying its widespread applicability. For more formal scenarios, consider alternatives like "remain confidential". When clarity is paramount, ensure the passive voice doesn't obscure the actor responsible for withholding information. This phrase effectively conveys the intent of maintaining privacy and controlling information dissemination.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be undisclosed

Direct synonym, keeping the negative aspect but using undisclosed instead of disclosed.

remain confidential

Focuses on the state of being secret, rather than the act of keeping something secret.

not be revealed

Emphasizes the act of unveiling or making something known, providing a similar but slightly more dramatic tone.

be unrevealed

Similar to "not be revealed", but may suggest a more permanent state of hiddenness.

kept secret

Stresses the active effort to maintain secrecy.

not be publicized

Specifically relates to avoiding public announcement or widespread distribution.

not be shared

Highlights that information will not be distributed among people.

be withheld

Suggests a deliberate holding back of information.

be suppressed

Implies an active effort to prevent information from becoming known.

be classified

Typically used when information is officially deemed secret by an authority.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "not be disclosed" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "remain confidential" or "will be withheld". These options often carry a stronger sense of authority and discretion.

What's the difference between "not be disclosed" and "not be revealed"?

While both indicate that information will remain secret, "not be disclosed" is generally broader, covering any form of revealing. "Not be revealed" specifically refers to unveiling something that was previously hidden.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "not be disclosed"?

It's appropriate when you need to specify that certain information should remain private due to confidentiality agreements, legal requirements, security concerns, or personal preferences. For example, "The financial terms of the agreement will "not be disclosed"."

What are some less formal alternatives to "not be disclosed"?

In less formal contexts, you could use phrases like "kept secret", "not shared", or "stay private". These options are more conversational and less authoritative.