please keep this confidential

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to ask someone to keep information private and confidential. For example: "I want to let you in on something, but please keep this confidential."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Please keep this confidential even though I know that will be hard since two of you let your egos take over and show Arrington how important you are by telling him you were headed to a "secret" angel gathering.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

On Aug. 6, 2008, Mr. Gudmundsson sent an e-mail to Mr. Stanford, saying, "Please keep this trade confidential," according to the letter.

The New York Times

On August 6, 2008, Mr. Gudmundsson sent an e-mail to Mr. Stanford, saying "Please keep this trade confidential," according to the letter.

The New York Times

Please keep this information confidential until we announce publicly and at that point, please ONLY reference our marketing announcement.

TechCrunch

There is much more information to come on these exciting changes, but in the mean time please keep this information confidential.

TechCrunch

"Now, please keep this a secret.

Los Angeles Times

Please keep this in mind.

The Economist

Please keep this on the forefront.

The New York Times

Please keep this conversation going.

Huffington Post

"Please keep this issue in perspective.

Huffington Post

Please keep this information sheet for your records.

BMC Medical Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If sharing sensitive information, explicitly state why confidentiality is crucial to provide context.

Common error

Don't assume the recipient understands the information is confidential without being explicitly told. Always state "please keep this confidential" or a similar phrase to avoid misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please keep this confidential" functions as a request or imperative, urging the listener or reader to maintain the secrecy of the discussed information. Ludwig AI validates its use for seeking discretion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "please keep this confidential" is a common and direct way to request secrecy, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, ranging from news reporting to scientific data handling. While versatile, it's crucial to use it judiciously, ensuring the situation warrants such a request. Alternatives like "please keep this a secret" or "I'd appreciate your discretion regarding this" offer subtle variations in tone and formality. Remember to always state the need for confidentiality explicitly to avoid misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Please keep this a secret

Replaces "confidential" with "a secret", making the request slightly less formal.

Kindly keep this information private

Substitutes "please" with "kindly" and "confidential" with "private", adding a touch of politeness.

Please do not disclose this information

Replaces "keep confidential" with "do not disclose", emphasizing the act of revealing the information.

I'd appreciate your discretion regarding this

Replaces the direct request with a statement of appreciation for discretion, making it more indirect and formal.

This is off the record, please

Uses the phrase "off the record" to indicate confidentiality, common in journalistic contexts.

Keep this under wraps, please

Uses the idiom "under wraps" to signify secrecy, making the request more informal.

I trust you'll keep this to yourself

Expresses trust that the recipient will maintain confidentiality, rather than directly requesting it.

This is just between us

Highlights that the information should remain solely with the speaker and listener.

This mustn't leave this room

Emphasizes the importance of not spreading the information beyond the immediate context.

Please treat this information with sensitivity

Focuses on handling the information carefully and discreetly, rather than explicitly mentioning confidentiality.

FAQs

What does "please keep this confidential" mean?

It means asking someone to not share the information you're about to tell them with anyone else. It's a request for secrecy.

When is it appropriate to say "please keep this confidential"?

It's appropriate when you're sharing sensitive or private information that you don't want spread around. This could be personal secrets, business plans, or anything else of a delicate nature.

What are some alternatives to saying "please keep this confidential"?

You can use alternatives like "please keep this a secret", "I'd appreciate your discretion regarding this", or "this is off the record please" depending on the context.

Is it rude to ask someone to "please keep this confidential"?

No, it's not rude as long as you're asking respectfully and have a valid reason for needing the information to be kept secret. It's a normal and accepted way to ensure privacy.