right to know

USAGE SUMMARY

"right to know" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it in a sentence to refer to someone's right to have access to information that is not generally known or accessible, or to have the opportunity to be informed. For example, "Everyone has the right to know the truth about their government and should not be kept in the dark by their leaders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The Right to Know".

The Guardian

We have a right to know!

The New York Times

The public has a right to know.

The New Yorker

"You just have a right to know".

The New York Times

I have a right to know.

The New York Times

Who has a right to know what?

The Guardian - Tech

"And we have a right to know".

The New York Times

"The public has the right to know".

The New York Times

They had a right to know".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The 'right to know' should also be applied to PCPs.

Environmental Sciences Europe

What is the public's "right-to-know"?

Corporate Environmental Strategy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advocating for transparency, use "right to know" to emphasize the ethical and democratic importance of information accessibility.

Common error

Avoid using "right to know" when "need to know" is more appropriate. "Right to know" implies a general entitlement, while "need to know" suggests restricted access based on specific requirements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "right to know" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It is used to denote an entitlement or justified claim to access information. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, such as public access to government information, consumer rights, and medical contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "right to know" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to assert an entitlement to information. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English, highlighting its prevalence across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific and business domains. When using the phrase, consider the specific context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning. Related phrases such as "access to information" and "the right to be informed" offer alternative ways to express this concept, while avoiding confusion with the more restrictive "need to know" principle is essential. The frequency and authoritative sources using the phrase underscore its significance in promoting transparency and accountability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the right to be informed

A more concise way to express the entitlement to receive information.

the public's right to be informed

Specifically addresses the general public's entitlement to receive information.

access to information

Emphasizes the ability to obtain or retrieve information.

entitlement to information

Focuses on the aspect of being entitled to receive specific information.

freedom of information

Highlights the liberty and lack of restriction in accessing data.

entitlement to access

Highlights being inherently allowed to enter or obtain.

access to records

Specifically refers to the ability to view and obtain official records.

transparency requirement

Shifts the focus to the obligation of providing information openly.

duty to disclose

Emphasizes the obligation to reveal information.

need to know basis

Implies a limitation on who is allowed access to information.

FAQs

How can I use "right to know" in a sentence?

You can use "right to know" to assert someone's entitlement to information, as in, "The public has a "right to know" about government decisions." It emphasizes the importance of transparency and access to information.

What are some alternative ways to express the "right to know"?

You can use alternatives like "entitlement to information", "access to information", or "freedom of information" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "right to know" and "need to know"?

"Right to know" refers to a general entitlement to access information, often in the context of public interest or transparency. "Need to know" implies restricted access to information based on specific job roles or security clearances.

Is "right to know" a legal term?

While the phrase "right to know" is widely used in legal and political contexts, it often refers to the underlying principles of transparency and access to information laws, such as freedom of information acts. It's a conceptual basis for such legislation.