privy to that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "privy to that" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone has knowledge of or is aware of something that is not common knowledge or is confidential. Example: "Only a few people were privy to that information before the announcement was made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Do you know what the sentence is? Zarif: I'm not privy to that.

The New Yorker

I don't know, I'm not privy to that.

HuffPost

Teachers are not privy to that information.

The New York Times

I am not privy to that information," he said.

The New York Times

"I would not be privy to that type of information".

The New York Times

"Being privy to that information and not using it is also difficult," she confessed.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

If you will be performing services that make you privy to information that is confidential, such as legal or medical files, secret formulas or recipes, or a client's financial or personal information, you should include a confidentiality clause.

WikiHow

He said the access was a "defining moment" in the lead-up to war as he was "made privy to planning that had gone on to that point by the US".

Independent

I was privy to information that suggested Grunderzene – annoyed that as the local Berlin blog writing about local German startups it didn't have 'the scoop' – planned to publish about Amen before it's launch on the stage at Disrupt.

TechCrunch

Blackout period: As an employee it is possible that you are privy to information that would give you a trading advantage over average investors.

Forbes

I wasn't always privy to everything that was going on and the fun things that my brothers did, especially when it involved an element of risk.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "privy to that" when you want to emphasize that someone has access to confidential or non-public information. It adds a layer of exclusivity to the knowledge being discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "privy to that" in very informal settings or casual conversations. While the phrase is generally acceptable, it carries a tone of formality that might sound out of place in relaxed contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "privy to that" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used to modify a verb or noun, indicating that someone is included in the knowledge of a particular piece of information. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it often indicates a state of awareness or access to information.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "privy to that" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to express that someone has access to exclusive or confidential information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. While it's usage spans a range of contexts, it appears most frequently in news and media. When writing, be aware that it carries a slightly formal tone. Consider alternatives like "aware of that" or "informed about that" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aware of that

Indicates knowledge or consciousness of something specific, similar to being privy to information.

informed about that

Suggests having received information about something, close to being in the know.

in the know about that

Implies being part of a group with exclusive information, sharing a secret.

acquainted with that

Suggests having some familiarity or knowledge, although it might not be detailed.

apprised of that

Implies being formally informed, often in an official context.

wise to that

Indicates being aware of something, often with a hint of suspicion or understanding of hidden motives.

familiar with that

Suggests a general understanding or knowledge, similar to being acquainted.

cognizant of that

Implies being aware and informed, often used in formal settings.

abreast of that

Suggests staying up-to-date with information, keeping informed about recent developments.

clued in on that

Implies receiving inside information or being made aware of something previously unknown.

FAQs

How can I use "privy to that" in a sentence?

You can use "privy to that" to indicate someone is aware of confidential or exclusive information. For example: "I'm not "privy to that" information."

What does "privy to that" mean?

"Privy to that" means having knowledge of something private or secret, something that is not generally known. It suggests access to exclusive information.

Which is a more formal phrase, "aware of that" or "privy to that"?

"Privy to that" carries a slightly more formal tone compared to "aware of that", suggesting a higher degree of confidentiality or exclusivity regarding the information.

What can I say instead of "privy to that"?

Alternatives include "aware of that", "informed about that", or "in the know about that", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.