secret

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "secret" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to something that is not known to others and is kept hidden or not revealed. Example sentence: She whispered her secret to only her closest friends.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's an open secret".

The Guardian

In 2008, WikiLeaks posted secret Scientology manuals, and lawyers representing the church demanded that they be removed.

The Economist

But when they were asked in secret ballots most players also said that the league should require them to wear helmets.

The Economist

His secret?

The New York Times

In 1918, Masataka Taketsuru made the journey to learn the secret of distillation.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But instead of feeling vindication, or at least relief for having told their stories, some of these women are now filled with dread, because Kevin Donovan – the Toronto Star investigative reporter with whom I reported the allegations against Ghomeshi – is writing a "tell-tale, behind the scenes" book about Ghomeshi's "secret life".

The Guardian - Opinion

But two months after the anniversary of the Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh, when most of those injured and bereaved by the disaster are still waiting for compensation – though Primark, unlike other retailers who have admitted to a presence in the factory, has contributed to the compensation fund – the secret message hidden inside a piece of women's clothing is a startling image.

The Guardian - Opinion

Grade was always less convinced of the need or wisdom of the move to Manchester and made little secret of his view that it would be the first casualty of a low licence fee settlement.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The secret service would be best served by a transformative and dynamic leader from outside the agency," he concluded, describing such a leader as "someone with a fresh perspective, free from allegiances and without ties to what has consistently been described as a 'good old boys network'".

The Guardian

Clancy also said the secret service was currently making plans for a new fence to be built around the actual White House, but it would take a year and a half.

The Guardian

The Guardian has unveiled its Australian digital edition with a pledge to deliver a "fresh and independent view", starting with an exclusive interview with prime minister Julia Gillard who criticises rival Tony Abbott's flagship paid parental leave policy as "anti-women" – and revealing that she is a secret Game of Thrones fan.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sensitive information, consider using "secret" to emphasize the need for confidentiality and discretion.

Common error

While "secret" implies concealment, "private" simply means not intended for public knowledge. Use "private" when the information isn't necessarily hidden, but simply personal.

Linguistic Context

The word "secret" functions primarily as an adjective or a noun. As an adjective, it modifies nouns to indicate something hidden or not generally known. As a noun, it refers to the hidden information itself. Ludwig highlights its versatile usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

News & Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "secret" is a versatile term that can function as both an adjective and a noun, predominantly used in News & Media contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is grammatically correct and commonly used. When choosing to use "secret", make sure that you don't replace it with "private" when it is not appropriate. Consider alternatives such as "confidential information" or "private matter" to better reflect the nuance of your writing. "Secret" highlights the deliberate concealment of information, and understanding its proper use can enhance the clarity and precision of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

confidential information

Emphasizes the sensitivity and restricted access of the information.

private matter

Highlights the personal and non-public nature of the issue.

undisclosed fact

Focuses on the act of keeping a detail hidden.

hidden truth

Implies that the information is not easily discoverable.

covert operation

Specifically refers to a clandestine activity, often with strategic or security implications.

classified document

Highlights the official and restricted status of the information.

under wraps

Suggests that something is being kept concealed for a specific reason.

hush-hush affair

Implies discretion and secrecy in a sensitive situation.

mystery

Focuses on the unknown and enigmatic nature of something.

inner sanctum

Refers to a very private or exclusive group or place.

FAQs

How can I use "secret" in a sentence?

You can use "secret" as an adjective to describe something hidden, as in "a secret garden", or as a noun, referring to something not known by others, such as "Can you keep a secret?". Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage.

What are some synonyms for "secret"?

Synonyms include "confidential", "private", "hidden", and "covert". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always negative to describe something as a "secret"?

Not necessarily. While "secret" can imply something is being deliberately hidden, it can also refer to something special or cherished, like "a secret ingredient" or "a secret admirer".

What is the difference between "secret" and "mystery"?

"Secret" refers to something deliberately concealed, while "mystery" refers to something unknown or difficult to understand. A "secret" can be solved, turning it into known information. A "mystery" is often more profound and may not have a simple solution.