please be discreet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "please be discreet" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when asking someone to keep information private or to act in a careful manner regarding sensitive topics. Example: "When discussing the matter, please be discreet to avoid any misunderstandings." Alternative expressions include "please keep this confidential" and "please exercise caution."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Please be discreet about this.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

When you are about to play, wipe down any areas that are going to sweat (be discreet, please! Nobody wants to watch a girl wipe down her underarms!), and dry them off.

WikiHow

d) Be discreet.

University of California, Berkeley

Parents, be discreet.

The New York Times

1. Be discreet.

The Guardian

So, be discreet.

The New Yorker

And be discreet!

The New York Times - Style

"Others want to be discreet".

The New York Times

Drug use must be discreet.

The New Yorker

Gum chewing must be discreet.

The New York Times

When taking photographs, be discreet.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When requesting discretion, tailor your language to the context and relationship with the person you're addressing. Formal situations may require a more polite phrasing like "kindly be discreet", while informal settings might allow for "mum's the word".

Common error

While "please be discreet" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in formal settings. Opt for more professional alternatives such as "please maintain confidentiality" or "your discretion is appreciated" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please be discreet" functions as an imperative, delivering a polite request. It instructs the listener to act with caution and maintain confidentiality. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "please be discreet" serves as a polite imperative, requesting careful and confidential behavior. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While versatile, it is most frequently encountered in news, wiki content, and academic sources. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "please maintain confidentiality". Related phrases emphasize the need for secrecy or caution. Remember to adapt your phrasing to the context and audience to effectively convey the need for discretion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kindly be discreet

Adds a touch of politeness while retaining the core meaning.

please keep this confidential

Directly requests confidentiality, focusing on the information being shared.

please keep this under wraps

Emphasizes secrecy and concealment.

please handle this with care

Suggests caution and sensitivity in dealing with a situation.

exercise discretion, please

Reverses the order and uses a more formal tone.

be mindful of your words

Focuses on careful communication to avoid issues.

tread lightly, please

Advises caution and avoiding causing trouble.

keep this just between us

Highlights the exclusivity and privacy of the information.

avoid drawing attention

Focuses on the need to not attract notice.

mum's the word

Informal way of saying keep it a secret.

FAQs

How can I use "please be discreet" in a sentence?

You can use "please be discreet" to politely request someone to keep information private or to act with caution. For example, "When discussing the project, please be discreet to avoid alerting competitors."

What's a more formal way to say "please be discreet"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "please maintain confidentiality" or "your discretion is appreciated".

Are there informal alternatives to "please be discreet"?

Yes, some informal alternatives include "keep this under wraps" or "mum's the word", depending on the context and your relationship with the person.

What does "please be discreet" mean?

"Please be discreet" means to ask someone to act or speak in a way that avoids causing embarrassment or attracting too much attention, often to protect sensitive information.