not in public

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not in public" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something should be done privately or away from the view of others. Example: "I prefer to discuss personal matters not in public, but rather in a more private setting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

(A tape of the event is now known to exist, but is not in public circulation).

Los Angeles Times

Not in public.

The New York Times

Not in public, anyway.

The New York Times

"Not in public, obviously.

The Guardian - Sport

And certainly not in public.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Yeltsin is not in public view.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"Not in public, though!" Pippa clarifies.

The Guardian

Or at least not in public.

The Guardian

P5 Celebrity threesome story not in public interest, judges rule.

The Guardian

He says they will say these things privately, but not in public.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

--not in public school, we didn't, no, no.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not in public" to clearly indicate that an action, discussion, or piece of information should be kept private or away from general view. This helps avoid misunderstandings about intended confidentiality.

Common error

Don't assume everyone understands what you consider private. Explicitly state "not in public" to clarify expectations, especially in sensitive contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not in public" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the location or manner in which an action should not occur. It specifies a condition of privacy or confidentiality. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples of its use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not in public" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that something should be kept private or confidential. As evidenced by Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to personal communication. While often interchangeable with phrases like "in private" or "confidentially", "not in public" carries a neutral tone suitable for diverse situations. When using this phrase, clarity is key—ensure your audience understands the intended level of privacy. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is widely used and accepted, highlighting its effectiveness in conveying the need for discretion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

privately

This single word directly replaces the entire phrase, focusing on the act of keeping something confidential.

in private

This alternative focuses on the state of being in a non-public setting or context.

off the record

Implies that information shared is not intended for official or public release.

behind closed doors

Suggests secrecy and restricted access to a meeting or discussion.

confidentially

Emphasizes the need for secrecy and discretion in handling information.

in secrecy

Highlights the hidden or clandestine nature of an action or event.

under wraps

Indicates that something is being kept secret or concealed.

not for general consumption

Suggests that information is intended for a limited audience only.

within the inner circle

Implies that information or discussions are restricted to a select group of people.

within closed circles

Similar to "within the inner circle", suggesting limited access and confidentiality.

FAQs

What does "not in public" mean?

The phrase "not in public" indicates that something should be done, discussed, or shared privately, rather than openly or in front of others.

Which is more appropriate, "in private" or "not in public"?

Both phrases are often interchangeable. "In private" directly contrasts with being in a public setting, while "not in public" emphasizes the avoidance of public exposure. Use "privately" for a more concise option.

What are some alternatives to saying "not in public"?

You can use alternatives like "in private", "off the record", or "confidentially" depending on the context.

How can I use "not in public" correctly in a sentence?

Use "not in public" to specify that an action or discussion should not take place openly. For example, "I prefer to discuss personal matters not in public".