should not be revealed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should not be revealed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing information that is meant to remain confidential or private. Example: "The details of the project should not be revealed to anyone outside the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Frankly, any conversation about second commitment periods at 4am should not be revealed.

The Guardian

The Bulgarian Orthodox church, however, argues that "heavenly secrets should not be revealed by the means of man".

The Economist

"We told listeners Danny was recovering from an operation, respecting his wishes throughout that the exact nature of illness should not be revealed.

The Guardian

It called for assurances from agencies that systems were in place surrounding information about vulnerable people that should not be revealed.

The Guardian

But Christopher Barnes, counsel for Tower Hamlets council, and Jennifer Carter-Manning, for the Metropolitan police, argued unsuccessfully that the name of the school attended by the five girls should not be revealed.

The Guardian

The Human Rights Act demands that an independent public inquiry be set up in the wake of evidence of serious wrongdoing by agents of a state.The inquiry chairman, Sir William Gage, a former appeal court judge, has agreed that the conclusion of two cabinet meetings held in May 2004 relating to "training and the chain of command" should not be revealed.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Once again the war is responsible for the death; precisely how shouldn't be revealed.

The New York Times - Books

How that all plays out shouldn't be revealed, but it is no surprise to say that director Valdez is there to record it all.

Los Angeles Times

And Julia's post-9/11 paranoia, exacerbated by family history that shouldn't be revealed in a review, intensifies when she learns the real reason for her being here.

Los Angeles Times

"This bill would make it impossible for the EPA to use many health studies, since they often contain private patient information that can't and shouldn't be revealed".

Huffington Post

"This bill would make it impossible for the EPA to use many health studies, since they often contain private patient information that can't and shouldn't be revealed". Likewise, the bill would prohibit the agency from using confidential business information and limit the agency to only using scientific studies with "reproducible" results.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should not be revealed", ensure that the context clearly establishes who is responsible for maintaining secrecy and what consequences might arise from disclosure.

Common error

While "should not be revealed" is grammatically sound, avoid overuse of passive constructions. Consider rephrasing with active voice where appropriate to create a more direct and impactful statement, such as "one must not reveal".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should not be revealed" functions as a modal passive construction. It expresses a recommendation, obligation, or expectation that something is to be kept secret or private. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "should not be revealed" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that certain information should remain confidential. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity. It is versatile, appearing in various contexts from news and media to scientific literature, suggesting it maintains a neutral, yet adaptable register. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about who is responsible for maintaining secrecy and the potential consequences of disclosure. While correct, avoid overuse of passive voice for more direct statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must remain confidential

Emphasizes a mandatory requirement for confidentiality.

ought to be kept secret

Suggests a moral obligation to maintain secrecy.

is not to be disclosed

Formally prohibits the act of revealing information.

must not be divulged

Strongly advises against sharing sensitive details.

is to be kept under wraps

Indicates a desire to maintain mystery or surprise.

is not for public consumption

Designates information as private or internal.

should be withheld

Implies a deliberate decision to keep information back.

is to remain private

Highlights the importance of keeping something personal and confidential.

is not to be made public

Similar to "is not to be disclosed", but with an emphasis on avoiding public knowledge.

must be closely guarded

Highlights the need to protect information carefully.

FAQs

What does "should not be revealed" mean?

The phrase "should not be revealed" indicates that certain information is intended to remain private or confidential and that there is an expectation or instruction to keep it secret.

What can I say instead of "should not be revealed"?

You can use alternatives like "must remain confidential", "ought to be kept secret", or "is not to be disclosed" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "should not be revealed" or "must not be revealed"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "must not be revealed" implies a stronger obligation or prohibition than "should not be revealed". The choice depends on the level of emphasis you want to convey.

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

You can use the phrase in sentences like, "The details of the agreement /s/must+remain+confidential should not be revealed until the contract is finalized", or "The witness's identity /s/ought+to+be+kept+secret should not be revealed for their own safety".