secretary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "secretary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person who performs administrative duties or assists in managing an office or organization. Example: "The secretary scheduled all the meetings for the week and ensured that the office ran smoothly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The government should not tell women what to wear, the home secretary has said, amid ongoing debate over the use of full-face veils.

The Guardian

Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: "We are investing in the biggest rail modernisation since the Victorian era and fares have a crucial role to play in funding these improvements.

The Guardian

It is understood that Ed Miliband regrets the suggestion was made and does not want the policy dispute between him and the former business secretary to include such allegations.

The Guardian - Money

Chafee has also criticized Clinton's conduct as secretary of state and her mishandling of the so-called "Russia reset".

The Guardian

Northern Ireland secretary John Reid has until Saturday night to find a compromise between Sinn Fein and David Trimble's Ulster Unionists on decommissioning, police reform and demilitarisation, or again suspend the assembly (either indefinitely or for six weeks) or call fresh elections.

The Guardian

The health secretary, Jeremy Hunt, who has been criticised by some senior doctors for painting an unfairly negative picture of NHS staff and the quality of care provided, welcomed the report.

The Guardian

Amid criticisms that £10m to £20m was relatively small figure on which to make such a major policy announcement – the NHS budget is more than £100bn a year – the health secretary disputed the No 10 claim.

The Guardian

In last week's release Populaire, the suave Romain Duris character is asked to stop smoking in the office by the new secretary, played by Déborah François.

The Guardian - Film

I am highly sceptical about this: Nicky Morgan as education secretary, in my view, has shown no commitment to protect education spending, or allow for inflation or increased pupil numbers.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Labour's Douglas Alexander, the shadow foreign secretary, talks "a lot of sense on Europe", he said.

The Guardian

The path to the university, whose president is Donna Shalala, the long-serving health secretary during both terms of Bill Clinton's administration, is well trodden by White House hopefuls: Mitt Romney was here three weeks ago for a Spanish-language interview in an attempt to woo the Hispanic vote.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use inclusive language. Opt for "administrative assistant" or "office manager" if gender-neutrality is preferred.

Common error

Avoid assuming that all secretaries have the same responsibilities. Clarify specific duties based on the context (e.g., "The legal secretary specializes in preparing court documents.")

Linguistic Context

The term "secretary" primarily functions as a noun, denoting a person who performs administrative tasks, manages records, or holds a leading position in an organization or government. Examples from Ludwig illustrate usage in various contexts, confirming its role as a noun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "secretary" is a versatile term primarily used as a noun to describe roles ranging from administrative support to high-level government positions. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, especially in news and formal business contexts. While alternatives like "administrative assistant" and "office manager" offer more modern and gender-neutral options, understanding the specific context ensures accurate and effective communication. Being mindful of potential misinterpretations, such as assuming uniform responsibilities, is crucial for clear and precise usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

administrative assistant

Focuses on the administrative duties performed by a secretary, emphasizing support functions.

office manager

Highlights the managerial responsibilities of overseeing office operations.

executive assistant

Implies a higher level of responsibility and direct support to executives.

personal assistant

Emphasizes individual support, often to a specific person rather than a general office.

clerical worker

Focuses on the clerical duties, such as data entry and filing.

records keeper

Highlights the responsibility of maintaining accurate records.

confidential clerk

Emphasizes the handling of sensitive information.

chief of staff

Indicates a senior role, managing the staff and operations.

scribe

A formal title indicating someone who keeps official notes and records.

recorder

Highlights the recording of information and minutes.

FAQs

How to use "secretary" in a sentence?

The term "secretary" can be used to describe a person who handles administrative tasks, keeps records, or is the head of a government department. For example, "The "secretary scheduled" the meeting" or "The foreign secretary addressed the United Nations".

What can I say instead of "secretary"?

You can use alternatives like "administrative assistant", "office manager", or "executive assistant" depending on the context and the specific responsibilities of the role.

Which is correct, "secretary" or "administrative assistant"?

Both "secretary" and "administrative assistant" are correct, but "administrative assistant" is often preferred in modern usage as it is considered more gender-neutral and accurately reflects the broader range of responsibilities the role often entails.

What is the difference between a "secretary" and a "personal assistant"?

A "secretary" typically handles general administrative tasks for an office or department, while a "personal assistant" provides direct, individualized support to a specific person, often managing their schedule, communications, and personal errands.