sent in confidence

USAGE SUMMARY

"sent in confidence" is a commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used when you want to emphasize that the information or content that you are sending is meant to be shared with only a few, select people. For example: "I am sending this report to you and our team in confidence, as it contains confidential information."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Nominations and advice regarding future Corporation appointments may be sent in confidence to [email protected]

Harvard University

Nominations and advice regarding future Corporation appointments may be sent, in confidence, to [email protected]

Harvard University

Meanwhile, he said, advice and nominations regarding the search may be sent in confidence to [email protected]

Harvard University

Many political analysts (including veteran memo writers) of both parties said they believed that the memorandum, although seemingly sent in confidence, was written to carefully position Mr. Rumsfeld in the struggle within the Bush administration for control of postwar policy in Iraq.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

He said the real reason his force had been sent in was to instill confidence in residents that the government could protect them.

The New York Times

Using this test, we can predict the number of single photons that must be sent in order to test the hypothesis to a specified confidence.

EPJ Quantum Technology

Chris Johnston sent in a shot in the 77th minute that was blocked by Hateley as Kilmarnock continued to press ahead with confidence.

BBC

In an interview with broadcasters, Amber Rudd urged Tory colleagues sending in letters of no confidence in Theresa May to "think again".

The Guardian

Josh, a 19-year-old from Sydney, suggests that boys feel able to share photos sent to them in confidence because of what he terms a "spoiled child persona of 'I can do what I want, and I won't get in trouble'".

The Guardian

Although there is no one-to-one correlation between gas prices and consumer confidence, a 2007 study by the economists Paul Edelstein and Lutz Kilian showed that, historically, sharp spikes in oil prices have sent consumer confidence plummeting, and have led to outsized cutbacks in general consumer spending.

The New Yorker

Job security concerns and the threat of war sent consumer confidence into a tailspin in October.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sent in confidence", ensure both the sender and receiver understand the confidential nature of the information being shared.

Common error

Avoid using "sent in confidence" if the information is not truly confidential or if it will be shared widely, as this can erode trust.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sent in confidence" functions as an adjunct, modifying a verb (e.g., "sent") to specify the conditions under which the action was performed. It indicates that the information was shared with an expectation of privacy.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sent in confidence" is used to convey that information is shared with an expectation of privacy and discretion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and typically used in formal communications. While not exceptionally frequent, its presence in news, academic, and professional contexts underscores its role in ensuring confidentiality. When using this phrase, ensure the context warrants such an assurance and that both parties understand the commitment to secrecy. Alternative phrases such as "transmitted privately" or disclosed confidentially can be used depending on the specific nuance required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disclosed confidentially

Stresses the confidential nature of the disclosure.

transmitted privately

Highlights the private manner of transmission.

relayed off the record

Focuses on the information being relayed unofficially.

forwarded discreetly

Focuses on the act of forwarding with discretion.

passed along privately

Highlights the private handling of passing the information.

conveyed secretly

Emphasizes the secrecy involved in conveying the message.

shared in secret

Underscores that the sharing happened in secrecy.

communicated under wraps

Implies the information was communicated covertly.

given with assurance of secrecy

Emphasizes the given information comes with a guarantee to keep secret.

submitted under seal

Suggests a formal assurance of confidentiality.

FAQs

How can I use "sent in confidence" in a sentence?

You can use "sent in confidence" to indicate that a message or document is meant to be kept private and not shared with others. For example, "The report was "sent in confidence" to the board of directors."

What does "sent in confidence" mean?

"Sent in confidence" means that something was communicated with the understanding that it should be kept secret or private and not disclosed to unauthorized parties.

Which is correct, "sent in confidence" or "sent confidentially"?

Both are correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Sent in confidence" emphasizes the intention and expectation of privacy, while "sent confidentially" focuses on the manner in which it was sent. However, "disclosed confidentially" might be an appropriate synonym.

What can I say instead of "sent in confidence"?

Alternatives include "transmitted privately", disclosed confidentially, or "relayed off the record" depending on the specific context and level of formality.