to be withheld

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be withheld" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where information, funds, or items are not to be released or are being kept back for some reason. Example: "The results of the investigation are to be withheld until further notice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(ii Amount to be withheld.

Cornell University

(Both asked for their surnames to be withheld).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The patients' names and identifying information are to be withheld.

The New York Times

The Secretary will notify the employer of any adjustments to the amount to be withheld.

Cornell University

Funds allotted to Oklahoma were to be withheld under certain conditions.

Cornell University

(1) and (2) which related to penalty generally and amount to be withheld, respectively.

Cornell University

(The activist, whose family remains in Syria, asked for his name to be withheld).

The New Yorker

If the more protectionist Democrats take charge, it is all but certain to be withheld.

The Economist

Normally, a lawyer who is subpoenaed creates a log of any confidential documents to be withheld.

The New Yorker

Sometimes, he spoke as if they were a precious gift to be withheld.

Independent

The handouts they had been expecting look likely to be withheld.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Maintain clarity by ensuring the subject of the withholding is explicitly stated. Instead of saying "information is to be withheld", specify "the document is to be withheld by the committee".

Common error

While "to be withheld" is grammatically sound, overuse of passive voice can make writing seem weak or evasive. Consider active voice alternatives for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be withheld" functions as a passive infinitive. It typically modifies a noun or serves as part of a clause expressing necessity or obligation. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples where information or items are described as needing to be kept back.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be withheld" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that functions as a passive infinitive. Ludwig AI shows its use is to indicate that something is intentionally not being released, often implying a deliberate decision or condition for its restriction. While versatile, clarity is key, and overuse of the passive voice should be avoided in favor of more direct alternatives when appropriate. This phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, Academic, and Scientific contexts, maintaining a neutral to professional register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be not disclosed

A formal way of stating that something should not be revealed.

to be held back

Suggests a temporary or strategic delay in releasing something.

to be kept confidential

Highlights the need to maintain privacy and secrecy.

to be kept secret

Emphasizes the confidentiality aspect, focusing on preventing disclosure.

to be suppressed

Indicates a forceful prevention of information from becoming known.

to be classified

Highlights that information is officially deemed sensitive and restricted.

to be retained

Focuses on maintaining possession or control, rather than active concealment.

to be embargoed

Specifically refers to a prohibition on publishing or distributing information.

to be unrevealed

Emphasizes that the information is not yet known or made public.

to be shelved

Implies that something is being put aside, possibly indefinitely.

FAQs

How can I use "to be withheld" in a sentence?

You can use "to be withheld" to indicate that information, funds, or items are not to be released or are being kept back. For example, "The results of the investigation are "to be withheld" until further notice."

What are some alternatives to "to be withheld"?

Alternatives include phrases like "to be kept secret", "to be held back", or "to be not disclosed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the passive voice construction "to be withheld"?

The passive voice is appropriate when the action is more important than the actor, or when the actor is unknown or unimportant. In the case of "to be withheld", it's often used when the focus is on the information being kept back, rather than who is withholding it.

What's the difference between "to be withheld" and "to be omitted"?

"To be withheld" implies a deliberate decision to keep something back, whereas "to be omitted" suggests something is left out, possibly unintentionally. "To be withheld" carries a stronger sense of intentionality.