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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
withheld by
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "withheld by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has been kept back or not disclosed by a specific person or entity. Example: "The information was withheld by the organization due to privacy concerns."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
Name withheld, by email If only it were so simple, Name Withheld, if only it were.
News & Media
No money is withheld by management".
News & Media
Worker passports being withheld by owners/skippers.
News & Media
(The last names of the contestants were withheld by the show).
News & Media
Like good looks, it seems to them something given or withheld by nature.
News & Media
Her name is being withheld by The New York Times to protect her privacy.
News & Media
The sender requested that his name be withheld and it was withheld by the Ethicist.
News & Media
Canadian trusts are subject to a 15percenttaxax that is withheld by the broker.
News & Media
Both boys' names were withheld by the police because of their ages.
News & Media
Her name was withheld by the authorities because of her age.
News & Media
How nice to live in the West, where such information is withheld by multinational corporations protecting the interests of stockholders!
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "withheld by", ensure that it's clear who or what is doing the withholding and what is being withheld. This clarity improves the sentence's precision.
Common error
Avoid using "withheld by" when a more direct verb like "concealed" or "suppressed" might be more appropriate. Consider the nuance you want to convey. Using "not disclosed by" is a good way to emphasize a more neutral tone.
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "withheld by" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used in a passive voice construction. It indicates the agent responsible for not disclosing or keeping something back, like information or an object. Ludwig confirms its common usage and grammatical correctness.
Frequent in
News & Media
67%
Science
18%
Formal & Business
5%
Less common in
Wiki
5%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "withheld by" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to indicate that something has been kept back or not disclosed by a specific entity. Ludwig confirms its common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media, and scientific publications. While it can be used in formal contexts, its register is generally neutral. When using "withheld by", clarity and precision are crucial. Consider using alternative phrases like "suppressed by" or "not disclosed by" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
not disclosed by
Rephrases "withheld by" to explicitly state the lack of disclosure.
not revealed by
Replaces "withheld" with "not revealed", focusing on the absence of revelation.
suppressed by
Replaces "withheld" with "suppressed", emphasizing the act of preventing information from being known.
held back by
Uses "held back" instead of "withheld", conveying a similar meaning of retention.
unrevealed by
Similar to "not revealed", but slightly more formal in tone.
concealed by
Substitutes "withheld" with "concealed", suggesting a deliberate attempt to hide something.
unshared by
Replaces "withheld" with "unshared", emphasizing the lack of dissemination.
kept secret by
Replaces "withheld" with "kept secret", highlighting the maintenance of secrecy.
retained by
Substitutes "withheld" with "retained", emphasizing the act of keeping possession.
denied by
Substitutes "withheld" with "denied", which suggests information was requested but not given.
FAQs
What does "withheld by" mean?
"Withheld by" means that something has been deliberately kept back or not disclosed by a particular person or entity.
What can I say instead of "withheld by"?
You can use alternatives like "suppressed by", "concealed by", or "not disclosed by" depending on the specific context.
How is "withheld by" different from "rejected by"?
"Withheld by" implies something is kept back, while "rejected by" indicates something has been refused or not accepted. The phrases have distinct meanings and aren't interchangeable.
Is it grammatically correct to say "information was withheld by them"?
Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Information was withheld by them" is a passive construction indicating that they chose not to reveal the information.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested