Used and loved by millions
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 from
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase 'withheld from' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to describe something or someone from whom something has been taken away or removed or kept back. For example: The teacher withheld the student's test scores from the parents.
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Academia
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
It was entirely withheld from release.
News & Media
It was not withheld from the public.
News & Media
Ominously, the film was withheld from reviewers.
News & Media
Nothing was withheld from his winner's check.
News & Media
Tax refunds have been withheld from citizens.
News & Media
This will increase the taxes withheld from your pay.
Also, drugs will not be withheld from a control group.
News & Media
The song will be withheld from Spotify until 1 January.
News & Media
Of course, that's backstory, and withheld from the story proper.
News & Media
This report was withheld from Mr. Counterman's lawyers.
News & Media
Why was crucial information withheld from the public?
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "withheld from" to clearly indicate that something has been deliberately kept back, whether it's information, resources, or opportunities.
Common error
Avoid using "withheld from" when simply indicating something is unavailable. The phrase implies a deliberate act of keeping something back, not just a lack of availability.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The primary grammatical function of "withheld from" is a passive participial phrase acting as a postmodifier, often describing something that has been deliberately kept back or denied. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It connects a subject with an action that was prevented or kept secret.
Frequent in
News & Media
37%
Science
34%
Academia
21%
Less common in
Formal & Business
3%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "withheld from" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate that something has been deliberately kept back or denied to someone or something. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to convey restriction, denial, or secrecy. It is commonly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, making it appropriate for neutral to formal communication. When using "withheld from", ensure that the context implies a deliberate act of keeping something back, rather than simply indicating unavailability. Alternatives such as ""kept back from"" or "denied access to" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
kept back from
Emphasizes the act of retaining or holding something back.
held back from
Similar to "kept back from", implying a deliberate holding back.
denied access to
Focuses on preventing someone from accessing something.
restricted from
Implies that access or use has been limited.
excluded from
Highlights the act of leaving someone or something out.
deprived of
Highlights the act of denying someone something they should have.
not given to
A more direct way of stating that something was not provided.
taken away from
Emphasizes the act of removing something.
hidden from
Focuses on concealing information or objects.
concealed from
Similar to "hidden from", suggesting a deliberate attempt to keep something secret.
FAQs
How can I use "withheld from" in a sentence?
You can use "withheld from" to indicate that something has been deliberately kept back. For example, "Information was "kept back from" the public" or "Privileges were "denied to" some members".
What's the difference between "withheld from" and "hidden from"?
"Withheld from" often implies a deliberate act of keeping something back, while "hidden from" focuses more on concealment. Something "kept back from" someone might not necessarily be hidden, but it's not being given to them. Something "hidden from" someone is actively being concealed.
What can I say instead of "withheld from"?
Alternatives to "withheld from" include phrases like ""kept back from"", "denied access to", or "excluded from", depending on the specific context.
Is it correct to say something was "withheld to" someone?
No, the correct phrasing is "withheld from". The preposition "from" indicates the person or entity from whom something is being kept back.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested