this message is confidential

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this message is confidential" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that the content of the message should not be shared with unauthorized individuals. Example: "Please be advised that this message is confidential and intended only for the recipient."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Attached to the message were confidential documents from the six banks that had agreed to finance that $19.5 billion takeover.

The New York Times

I might think those messages are confidential just as I might hope that my private Facebook posts are, well, private.

The New York Times

UNICEF does not offer any such grants to individuals; the sender of this message is attempting to get confidential financial details from its targets.

Unicef

This message is misleading.

The Economist

"This message is clear.

BBC

This email is confidential.

Columbia University

"None of this stuff is confidential," Mr. Maier said.

The New York Times

The process behind this is "confidential".

Independent

The information contained in this email message may be confidential and is intended only for the parties to whom it is addressed.

TechCrunch

This electronic message is intended to be for the use only of the named recipient and may contain information that is confidential or privileged.

Columbia University

I say confidential is confidential.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal or business contexts, specify the legal basis for the confidentiality (e.g. attorney-client privilege, non-disclosure agreement).

Common error

Avoid marking routine communications as "this message is confidential" as this can dilute the impact of the warning when it's genuinely important. Reserve it for truly sensitive information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this message is confidential" functions as a declarative statement intended to inform the recipient about the sensitive nature of the enclosed information. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase's usability in written English, typically used to emphasize the need for discretion.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "this message is confidential" serves as an alert to the recipient regarding the sensitive nature of the included information. While Ludwig AI considers it grammatically correct and usable, its effectiveness depends heavily on context. It's a statement, more than a binding legal agreement, and it signals the sender's intention for discretion. Related phrases include alternatives such as "this communication is private" and "the contents of this message are privileged". When using the phrase, ensure it’s reserved for sensitive communications and that the intended recipient is clearly identified.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

This communication is private

Emphasizes the sender's intent that the message should not be shared beyond the intended recipient.

Please keep this information to yourself

A direct request for the recipient to maintain confidentiality.

This information is for your eyes only

Suggests a level of secrecy and exclusivity, implying the information is highly sensitive.

This is strictly between us

Emphasizes a personal agreement of confidentiality between the sender and recipient.

The contents of this message are privileged

Indicates that the information is legally protected and cannot be disclosed.

Confidentiality is requested

A polite and formal way to ask the recipient to keep the information private.

This document is classified

Implies a formal designation of secrecy, often used in governmental or corporate settings.

This transmission is secured

Highlights the security measures taken to protect the message during transit.

This material is not for distribution

Focuses on preventing further dissemination of the information.

The following information is sensitive

Highlights the nature of the information and the need for careful handling.

FAQs

How should I use "this message is confidential" in an email?

Place the phrase at the beginning of the email, possibly in the subject line, to immediately alert the recipient of the message's sensitive nature. For example, "Subject: Confidential - [Topic]". You can also use alternatives such as "This communication is private" or "The contents of this message are privileged".

What does it mean when a message says "this message is confidential"?

It signifies that the sender intends for the information within the message to be kept private and only shared with the intended recipient(s). It's a directive to handle the information with discretion.

What are some alternatives to saying "this message is confidential"?

You can use alternatives like "this communication is private", "the contents of this message are privileged", or "this information is for your eyes only" depending on the context.

Is it legally binding if an email states "this message is confidential"?

While including "this message is confidential" can indicate an intention to maintain privacy, its legal weight depends on the context and any existing agreements (such as non-disclosure agreements). It is not a guarantee of legal protection on its own.