only between us

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'only between us' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase to emphasize that information or knowledge should not be shared with anyone else. For example, "What I'm about to say should stay only between us, okay?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Why not extend this cozy, cuddly time that was only between us?

The New York Times

In other words, there will not be peace in Afghanistan by having an agreement only between us and the Afghan Taliban.

The Guardian

Not only between us does a "continuity of absolute discontinuities" obtain, but also within each of us, insofar as our identity is in continual formation.

SEP

But connection today is not only between us as individuals, but between us in the public and private spheres, between the corporate and the personal, the corporation and the consumer, the executive and the citizen.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"I've known Donald for 25 years, but the only similarity between us is we both have a lot of fun in what we do," he said.

The New York Times

"But that's the only difference between us as writers".

The Guardian - Books

"I don't ever expect him to come forward but if he did contact me, it would only be between us two and not the world," she said.

Vice

And: "The only thing between us and Murdoch's dictatorship has been the judiciary.

The New Yorker

The memory of that night was now the only tie between us, eclipsing everything else.

The New Yorker

Basically, the only difference between us and the victims is, we had flashlights".

The Guardian - Books

She alleged that "the only difference between us was the color of our skin".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "only between us", ensure that all parties involved understand and respect the confidential nature of the agreement. Clarify expectations to avoid misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid assuming that everyone interprets "only between us" in the same way. Clearly define what information is covered by the agreement to prevent unintentional disclosures.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only between us" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that something is meant to be kept private or confidential among a specific group of people. It restricts the scope of knowledge or communication.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "only between us" is a grammatically sound construction used to denote confidentiality and exclusivity in communication. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, though its usage is relatively rare. It predominantly appears in News & Media and Science contexts. For more formal settings, alternatives like "strictly confidential" may be preferred. When using "only between us", ensure clear communication regarding the scope of confidentiality to prevent misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strictly confidential

Emphasizes the need for absolute secrecy.

in strictest confidence

Highlights the high degree of trust and secrecy involved.

just between you and me

A more casual and conversational way of indicating confidentiality.

off the record

Indicates that the information shared should not be publicly attributed to the source.

in private

Suggests a conversation or matter is not for public knowledge.

under wraps

Implies that something is being kept secret or hidden.

between ourselves

Similar to "just between you and me" but slightly more formal.

for your ears only

Emphasizes that the information is specifically for the recipient and no one else.

not to be disclosed

A formal way of stating that information should not be revealed.

eyes only

Highlights the exclusive nature of the information, meant only for the recipient's eyes.

FAQs

How can I use "only between us" in a sentence?

You can use "only between us" to indicate that a piece of information should be kept secret. For example, "This conversation is "only between us", okay?"

What phrases are similar in meaning to "only between us"?

Alternatives include "strictly confidential", "just between you and me", or "off the record", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "only between us" in professional settings?

While "only between us" is understandable, more formal alternatives like "this is confidential" or "in strictest confidence" may be more suitable for professional environments.

What happens if someone breaks an agreement that was supposed to be "only between us"?

The consequences depend on the context. In personal relationships, it can damage trust. In professional settings, it could lead to disciplinary action or legal repercussions if a non-disclosure agreement is in place.