should not be disclosed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should not be disclosed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where confidentiality or privacy is being emphasized, indicating that certain information must remain private. Example: "The details of the agreement should not be disclosed to any third parties without prior consent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

But the intelligence services are determined that wiretap evidence should not be disclosed.

The Economist

The fixed penalty notice should not be disclosed in a standard CRB certificate.

The Guardian - Opinion

Justice Maurice Kay said the report should not be disclosed and that the application must consequently be refused.

The Guardian

The police do retain the data: the records are not "wiped", but ordinarily should not be disclosed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Reasonable people would accept that details of people attending private and family occasions paid for out of ministers' own pockets should not be disclosed".

Independent

But to bring such charges the commission would have to prove that the money managers knew the information was confidential and should not be disclosed.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Now, even the identity of the officer who seeks counsel, should the officer request confidentiality, will not be disclosed to anyone in the P.B.A., except to the chairman of the P.B.A. Law Committee, who nevertheless must keep it confidential.

The New York Times

Whether the Department of Defence concluded this was what they should be doing, or what they shouldn't, has not been disclosed.

The Guardian - Film

The Big East will get the larger of the conferences' payouts — the sums have not been disclosed but should be in the low millions — because of its role in creating the game and its location.

The New York Times - Sports

The size of the deal, which should be completed in June, has not been disclosed.

BBC

Let us stipulate that there are things that should not be publicly disclosed; we may disagree about what they are, but they exist.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should not be disclosed" in legal or formal documents, always specify who is responsible for maintaining confidentiality and the consequences of disclosure.

Common error

Avoid using "should not be disclosed" in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "keep it secret" or "don't tell anyone" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should not be disclosed" functions primarily as a modal passive construction. It indicates that something is not permitted or advisable to be revealed. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "should not be disclosed" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the need for maintaining confidentiality or privacy. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical structure is correct and widely applicable. It is most frequently encountered in formal contexts such as news reports, scientific publications, and formal business communications. When choosing alternatives, consider the specific context and the desired level of formality. While ""must remain confidential"" conveys a stronger obligation, phrases like "is to be kept secret" provide similar meaning with slight variations in emphasis. Use "should not be disclosed" judiciously, ensuring it aligns with the tone and requirements of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must remain confidential

Stronger emphasis on the obligation to maintain secrecy.

ought to be kept private

Expresses a moral or ethical obligation to maintain privacy.

is not to be revealed

Focuses on the act of revealing and prohibiting it.

is to be kept secret

Highlights the importance of maintaining secrecy.

must not be publicized

Emphasizes avoiding public knowledge.

should remain unsaid

Focuses on not verbally expressing the information.

needs to stay under wraps

Informal way of saying something needs to be kept secret.

is not for public consumption

Highlights that the information is not intended for the general public.

is off the record

Indicates information that is not officially recorded or disclosed.

is to be held in confidence

Emphasizes the trust and responsibility in keeping the information private.

FAQs

How can I use "should not be disclosed" in a sentence?

You can use "should not be disclosed" to emphasize the need for confidentiality. For instance, "The details of this agreement "should not be disclosed" to third parties."

What are some alternatives to "should not be disclosed"?

Alternatives include "must remain confidential", "ought to be kept private", or "is not to be revealed", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "should not be disclosed"?

It's appropriate in formal settings, legal documents, or situations where maintaining secrecy is crucial. In casual settings, simpler phrases may be more suitable.

What is the difference between "should not be disclosed" and "must not be disclosed"?

"Should not be disclosed" implies a recommendation or guideline, while "must not be disclosed" indicates a strict prohibition or requirement. The latter carries a stronger sense of obligation.