relayed off the record

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relayed off the record" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in journalism or communication contexts to indicate that information is shared confidentially and should not be publicly attributed. Example: "The source relayed off the record that there would be significant changes in the company’s leadership."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He says that nothing was written down and it was relayed off the record, verbally, to the assault team.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

At some point after that story was published, Politico reports, Sanders convenes an off-the-record meeting with reporters, including one from The Post, during which Porter relays his version of events.

The Washington Post

Remarks are Off-the-Record.

Stanford University

Strictly off-the-record.

The Guardian - Music

This story was relayed by Bret Hart on the TSN sports show Off The Record.

Wikipedia

To wit, Obama did not defend Samantha Power after her "off the record" remarks in which she relayed to a Scottish journalist that her boss's opponent was a "monster".

Huffington Post

Off the record?

The Economist

Well, technically off the record.

The New York Times

Maybe off the record?

The Washington Post

That's off the record.

Cornell University

Why off the record?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "relayed off the record", ensure both parties understand the information is not for public attribution. This protects sources and maintains journalistic integrity.

Common error

Avoid assuming "relayed off the record" grants complete immunity from legal repercussions. Sharing information still carries responsibility, especially if it involves sensitive or harmful content.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relayed off the record" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating the manner in which information was conveyed. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase describes how the information was passed on, specifying its confidential nature.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "relayed off the record" is a phrase used to indicate that information was shared confidentially and should not be publicly attributed to the source. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct and typically used in journalistic and professional communications. Though its usage is infrequent, understanding its meaning and ethical implications is important for responsible communication. When using the phrase, make sure it's in contexts where preserving the source’s anonymity is of critical importance. While alternative phrases like "shared confidentially" or "communicated privately" can be used, they may not always convey the specific nuance of an agreement of anonymity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shared confidentially

Focuses on the privacy of the information transfer, without necessarily implying it was spoken.

communicated privately

Emphasizes the private nature of the communication.

disclosed in confidence

Highlights the trust placed in the recipient of the information.

revealed under condition of anonymity

Highlights that the person revealing the info does not want to be known.

passed on unofficially

Emphasizes the informal and potentially unsanctioned nature of the information transfer.

told in secret

Highlights the secretive element of the communication

divulged without attribution

Focuses on the lack of source identification.

whispered discreetly

Emphasizes the subdued and cautious manner of communication.

mentioned in private

A more generic substitute that highlights the private setting of the conversation.

indicated informally

Focuses on the informality of the information transfer, which does not follow any formal procedures.

FAQs

What does "relayed off the record" mean?

It means information was shared with the understanding that it should not be publicly attributed to the source.

How can I use "relayed off the record" in a sentence?

You might say, "The source "relayed off the record" that the negotiations had stalled."

What are some alternatives to "relayed off the record"?

You can use phrases like "shared confidentially", "communicated privately", or "disclosed in confidence" depending on the context.

Is it always ethical to use information "relayed off the record"?

While it's common practice in journalism, ethical considerations depend on the information's importance, potential harm, and the public interest. Consider whether the public value outweighs the agreement of anonymity.