private meeting

USAGE SUMMARY

"private meeting" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
For example: The two CEOs discussed the merger in a private meeting.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"A private meeting.

The New York Times

He summoned her to a private meeting.

The New York Times

"It was a private meeting," he said.

The Guardian

We also had a private meeting.

The Guardian

In September, Mr Osborne held a private meeting with Barclays.

Independent

(A Pentagon spokesman also denies a private meeting took place).

The New York Times

It was just a private meeting, you know.

The New Yorker

On Monday night, the two had a private meeting.

The New York Times

Is there a positive side to the private meeting?

The New York Times - Sports

There followed a private meeting between the pair.

The Guardian - Sport

I aspire for a private meeting with Bill Gates.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "private meeting" when you want to emphasize the exclusivity or confidentiality of a discussion or gathering. It implies that the meeting is not open to the public or to all members of an organization.

Common error

While both terms imply a degree of confidentiality, "private meeting" simply means not open to the public, while "secret meeting" suggests a deliberate effort to conceal the meeting's existence. Use "private meeting" unless the intention is to keep the meeting completely hidden.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "private meeting" functions as a noun phrase, where "private" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "meeting". This phrase commonly serves as a subject or object in a sentence, as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "private meeting" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed term, as validated by Ludwig. It functions as an adjective-noun combination signifying a meeting not open to the public. Predominantly found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts, it serves to convey exclusivity and confidentiality. When aiming for semantic alternatives, consider options like "confidential session" or "closed-door discussion". However, be mindful not to conflate it with "secret meeting", which implies an attempt to conceal the meeting's existence altogether.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

closed-door discussion

Highlights the secrecy and restricted access to the discussion.

confidential session

Focuses on the confidentiality aspect of the meeting.

private consultation

Implies a formal meeting for seeking professional advice in a confidential setting.

secret parley

Suggests a clandestine meeting, often with strategic or sensitive objectives.

exclusive gathering

Emphasizes the limited and selective nature of the attendees.

restricted assembly

Highlights the limited access and controlled environment of the gathering.

one-on-one consultation

Implies a meeting between two individuals for advice or guidance.

off-the-record conversation

Stresses that the content of the conversation is not intended for public disclosure.

personal conference

Emphasizes the individual and tailored nature of the meeting.

unofficial summit

Suggests a meeting of leaders or high-ranking individuals outside of formal protocols.

FAQs

How to use "private meeting" in a sentence?

You can use "private meeting" to describe a meeting that is not open to the public. For instance: "The CEO held a "private meeting" with the board members to discuss the company's future strategy."

What can I say instead of "private meeting"?

You can use alternatives like "confidential session", "closed-door discussion", or "personal conference" depending on the context.

Is "private meeting" formal or informal?

"Private meeting" is generally considered neutral and appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. The specific situation will determine the overall tone, but the phrase itself is versatile.

What's the difference between "private meeting" and "public meeting"?

A ""private meeting"" is restricted to a select group of individuals, while a "public meeting" is open to anyone who wishes to attend. The key difference lies in the accessibility and intended audience.