strictly private

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strictly private" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is confidential and should not be shared with others. Example: "This document is marked as strictly private and should only be viewed by authorized personnel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Funeral arrangements are strictly private.

The New York Times

Views contained in this essay are strictly private.

Yale University

Behavior that should remain strictly private ends up on videotape.

The New York Times - Books

Perhaps smoking will end up as a strictly private act, like visiting one's safe-deposit box.

The New Yorker

He returned to France but from then on lived a strictly private life.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Unlike Americans, Canadians considered faith a strictly private matter.Not any longer.

The Economist

While these were strictly private affairs, word got out that they were occasionally rather debauched.

The Times

But the latest investment will ensure it's a strictly private affair.

The Guardian

But outside their strictly private events, almost no gems were seen in public.

The New York Times - Style

It is being billed as strictly private, with no public or media coverage welcome.

The Guardian - Tech

At 15 the severe frontispiece to her first diary reads: "This document is strictly private.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience. For less formal settings, alternatives like "confidential" or "private" may suffice. Use "strictly private" when the situation truly demands utmost discretion.

Common error

Avoid using "strictly private" for matters that are already understood to be confidential. Using it too liberally can desensitize the audience and reduce its effectiveness when genuine sensitivity is required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strictly private" functions primarily as a modifier, specifically an adjective phrase, to emphasize the high degree of confidentiality or secrecy associated with something. As highlighted by Ludwig, it indicates that the information or event should be kept completely confidential.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "strictly private" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, particularly in news and media, academic, and wiki contexts. As verified by Ludwig, its primary function is to emphasize confidentiality and discretion, serving to prevent unauthorized disclosure. While highly effective when used appropriately, it's important to consider the context and avoid overuse, as this can diminish its impact. When a less emphatic tone is suitable, alternatives such as "highly confidential" or "completely confidential" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly confidential

Emphasizes the sensitivity and secrecy of the information.

absolutely confidential

Highlights the inviolable nature of the private matter.

completely confidential

Similar to "absolutely confidential", conveying full secrecy.

totally confidential

Stresses that nothing will be shared.

for your eyes only

Emphasizes that the information is meant for one person and nobody else.

not for public consumption

Focuses on the restriction from being shared with the general public.

off the record

Highlights that something is not official.

in strict confidence

Emphasizes the trust required to keep the matter private.

under wraps

Similar to "kept secret".

kept secret

Indicates that some information should remain hidden.

FAQs

How can I use "strictly private" in a sentence?

You can use "strictly private" to emphasize the confidentiality of information or events. For example: "This document is "strictly private" and should not be shared" or "The funeral arrangements will be "strictly private"".

What are some alternatives to "strictly private"?

Alternatives to "strictly private" include "highly confidential", "completely confidential", or "for your eyes only". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

When is it appropriate to use "strictly private"?

"Strictly private" is appropriate when emphasizing the extreme importance of keeping something confidential. This is often used in legal, business, or personal situations where discretion is paramount.

Is "strictly private" the same as "confidential"?

While both terms relate to privacy, "strictly private" conveys a higher level of secrecy and importance than simply "confidential". It suggests a greater need for discretion and a stronger prohibition against disclosure.