secret incident

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "secret incident" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an event or occurrence that is not widely known or is intentionally kept hidden from others. Example: "The investigation revealed a secret incident that had been concealed from the public for years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He said the secret incident has "haunted" him for 32 years.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The mother is an old private school chum of the First Lady; she knows of a secret incident in her past that, if exposed, will subject her to ridicule as the hypocritical leader of the Rights for the Unborn League.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

This largely ebullient and pure-dance work, whose premiere was given by American Ballet Theater on Thursday night at City Center, is studded with such private incidents, indicating a secret, darker drama we can only guess at.

The New York Times - Arts

After the September incident, secret service director Julia Pierson resigned and Obama appointed veteran agent Joseph Clancy to reform the agency.

The Guardian

Mr. Cerick, now a 53-year-old New York lawyer, said he had kept the incident secret until 2003, when he became aware of the scandal over sexual abuse by priests.

The New York Times

Adding to concerns about the sizable delay in notifying the public, elected officials and security experts are scrutinizing Uber's decision to pay a ransom to the hackers in exchange for deleting the stolen data and keeping the incident secret.

The Washington Post

The observer stepped forward and revealed the fraud, and Home was conducted out of the country: "The order was to keep the incident secret".

Wikipedia

I kept this, and similar incidents, secret until a pair of bullies stripped me and whipped me with briars, to the usual soundtrack.

The New Yorker

Under the subtitle "The secret photographing/videoing of incidents as they unfold", the document adds: "These acts have done more to damage morale and client perception than anything else.

The Guardian

In the last few weeks, a number of American companies have stepped forward to admit they have been the victims of hacking attacks, a departure from how companies used to keep these incidents secret, reports Nicole Perlroth in Thursday's New York Times.

The New York Times

Communities have sought to keep such incidents secret, further shrouding the issue.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "secret incident", ensure the context clearly indicates who is keeping the incident secret and why. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "secret incident" as a placeholder for more specific details. If possible, provide relevant context or hints about the nature of the incident to engage the reader without revealing all the information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "secret incident" functions as a noun phrase, where "secret" modifies the noun "incident". It identifies an event or occurrence that is intentionally concealed or not widely known. Ludwig AI validates its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "secret incident" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that refers to an event kept hidden or not widely known. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not extremely common, it appears in diverse contexts, including news, academia, and general discussions. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity about who is concealing the incident and its nature. Alternatives like "confidential matter" or "undisclosed event" can offer nuanced variations depending on the intended meaning. The phrase serves to emphasize the concealed nature of the event, prompting curiosity or concern. Remember to provide relevant context to engage your audience effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

confidential matter

Emphasizes the private and sensitive nature of the situation.

private affair

Focuses on the personal and non-public aspect of the incident.

undisclosed event

Highlights the fact that the event was not revealed or made public.

hush-hush episode

Emphasizes the attempt to keep the incident quiet and avoid attention.

suppressed story

Highlights the act of preventing the incident from being told or reported.

hidden affair

Suggests a clandestine or illicit nature of the incident.

veiled happening

Suggests that the incident is intentionally obscured or not fully disclosed.

classified occurrence

Suggests that the incident is officially protected and not accessible to the public.

covert operation

Implies a planned and secretive action, often with a specific purpose.

backstage event

Implies the incident has been known just by a few people.

FAQs

How can "secret incident" be used in a sentence?

You can use "secret incident" to refer to an event that is not widely known or is intentionally kept hidden. For example: "The investigation revealed a "secret incident" that had been concealed from the public for years."

What are some alternatives to "secret incident"?

Alternatives include "confidential matter", "undisclosed event", or "covert operation", depending on the specific context.

Is "secret incident" a formal or informal phrase?

"Secret incident" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language and the nature of the source.

What is the difference between "secret incident" and "private affair"?

"Secret incident" implies that the event is actively concealed, while "private affair" simply suggests it is not public. A "secret incident" could also be a "private affair" that someone is trying to hide.