secret method

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "secret method" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a method or procedure that is not widely known or that is deliberately kept hidden from others. For example, "The magician revealed his secret method of making the rabbit appear from the empty hat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Duveen uses his own name at art sales, but has a secret method of bidding.

The New Yorker

Dominic Crinson has his own secret method for glazing wall tiles with bespoke or his own amazing arty imagery, for a twentyfirst-century Alhambra look.

The Guardian - Money

Compromising the security of the web itself A back door in a communications system, in an internet system, in an encryption standard is basically a secret method of getting around the security of those communications.

The Guardian

He has developed a secret method to attach spores carrying the same DNA as the wild French version onto the roots of live oaks and filberts, the kinds of trees truffles prefer.

The New York Times

He also does not make the boxy, furry hats in a plush velour that many call beaver but is actually rabbit, a style adopted by many of the other Hasidim and made by a firm called Tonak in the Czech Republic by a secret method that highlights the shine of the skin.

The New York Times

There's a secret method to doing this: You listen (and read the material they've written).

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

"Most of what is produced through secret methods is not actually intelligence at all.

The Guardian

The book is a study of the use of torture and other secret methods employed by the Bush administration in the name of the war on terror.

The New York Times

"Believe it or not, 95% of what we need for ethical evidence-based decision support cannot be obtained through the secret methods of standard intelligence practices.

The Guardian

IN SECRET locations and using secret methods, human beings are scanning lots and lots of books for Google, the world's largest web-search company.

The Economist

The baiting program was introduced to select members of the First Battalion, including Sergeant Hensley, in late January by the Asymmetrical Warfare Group, a Defense Department agency that develops secret methods of fighting insurgents in Iraq, said Capt.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance the impact, use "secret method" when revealing the existence of a technique, particularly when contrasting it with more conventional approaches.

Common error

Avoid using "secret method" vaguely. Instead of saying 'They used a secret method', specify, if possible, the area where this method applies (e.g., 'They used a secret method for data encryption').

Linguistic Context

The phrase "secret method" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It refers to a technique or process that is intentionally kept hidden or not widely known, as indicated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "secret method" refers to a technique or process deliberately kept hidden or not widely known. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and suitable across various contexts. While not exceedingly common, its usage is prevalent in News & Media and Science publications. To use it effectively, ensure contextual clarity and highlight exclusivity when contrasting the method. Be aware that overuse without proper context dilutes its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undisclosed technique

Focuses on the technique being not revealed.

confidential process

Highlights the confidentiality aspect of the method.

hidden formula

Emphasizes the formulaic and concealed nature of the method.

private procedure

Stresses that the method is not public or generally known.

esoteric practice

Suggests that the method is known only to a select few.

classified technique

Implies the method is officially protected from disclosure.

unrevealed method

Similar to "undisclosed technique", focusing on the lack of revelation.

secret formula

Highlights that the formula is not shared or public.

covert operation

Suggests that the method is a secret action.

privileged information

Focuses on the exclusive nature of the method.

FAQs

How can I use "secret method" in a sentence?

You can use "secret method" to describe a technique that is not widely known or deliberately kept hidden. For example, "The chef's success relies on a "secret method" for preparing the sauce."

What can I say instead of "secret method"?

Alternatives include "undisclosed technique", "confidential process", or "hidden formula" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "secret method" in formal writing?

Yes, "secret method" is appropriate in formal writing as long as it aligns with the tone and subject matter. It is often found in news, science, and formal business contexts.

Which is correct, "secret method" or "secret methods"?

Both are correct, but their use depends on whether you are referring to one specific technique ("secret method") or multiple techniques ("secret methods").