withhold information

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "withhold information" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when wanting to express that someone is not sharing or divulging information. Example sentence: The witness refused to divulge any further details, electing to withhold information instead.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But, Mr. Corbett added, "Our default setting is to inform readers, not to withhold information".

The New York Times

Information may also be unreliable because the informant may be unaware of certain factors or may deliberately withhold information [ 48].

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

McCain accused the administration of continuing to withhold information.

The Guardian

"They'll tell people, 'You're all right,' withhold information".

The New Yorker

Will patients withhold information they don't want recorded?

The New York Times - Health

This executive advised Regan to lie to, and to withhold information from, investigators concerning Kerik".

The New York Times

Mr. Thompson said he never told Mr. Scully to withhold information from Congress.

The New York Times

Prosecutors said the elder Mr. Lepore instructed family members to withhold information from investigators.

The New York Times

Doctors still routinely withhold information about serious illnesses, lest they shock the their patients.

The New York Times

The state's new secrecy law allows it to withhold information about its execution-drug suppliers.

The Guardian

Sadly the doctors withhold information that would specifically identify the jokes.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "withhold information", be mindful of the ethical implications. Consider whether there is a legitimate reason to keep the information private or if transparency would be more appropriate.

Common error

Don't use "withhold information" when you mean to describe censorship. Censorship involves actively suppressing information to prevent others from accessing it. "Withholding information" simply means choosing not to share it, which doesn't necessarily involve preventing others from finding it elsewhere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "withhold information" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "withhold" is the transitive verb and "information" is the direct object. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates the act of deliberately not sharing or revealing knowledge. The examples on Ludwig show this phrase in various contexts, highlighting its usage in both formal and informal settings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "withhold information" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression that describes the act of intentionally not sharing details or facts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's employed across various contexts, from news and media to scientific and formal settings. While its register is generally neutral to professional, being mindful of the ethical implications is crucial. Related phrases like "hold back information" or "conceal information" can be used as alternatives, depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to distinguish "withholding information" from censorship and always consider the potential impact of your choice on others.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hold back information

This alternative emphasizes the act of deliberately keeping information secret or unrevealed.

conceal information

This focuses on the act of hiding information, often to prevent it from being discovered.

suppress information

This highlights the act of preventing information from being known or disseminated, often through authority or power.

keep information secret

This directly states the intention to maintain the confidentiality of information.

fail to disclose information

This emphasizes the omission or neglect in revealing information that should have been shared.

sit on information

This implies possessing information but choosing not to share it, often for strategic reasons.

not reveal information

This is a straightforward way of stating that information is not being disclosed.

keep quiet about information

This suggests remaining silent or not discussing certain information.

obfuscate information

This indicates making information unclear or confusing, effectively hiding its true meaning.

stonewall on information

This implies deliberately obstructing attempts to obtain information, often by refusing to answer questions.

FAQs

How to use "withhold information" in a sentence?

You can use "withhold information" in a sentence to describe the act of not sharing certain details or facts. For example: "The company decided to withhold information about the product's defects from consumers."

What can I say instead of "withhold information"?

You can use alternatives like "hold back information", "conceal information", or "suppress information" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "withhold information" and "lie"?

"Withholding information" means not revealing certain facts, while "lying" means making a false statement with the intention to deceive. You can "withhold information" without lying, but lying always involves intentionally distorting the truth.

Is it always wrong to "withhold information"?

Not always. There are situations where withholding information is justified, such as protecting personal privacy or national security. However, it's generally considered unethical to "withhold information" when it could harm others or prevent them from making informed decisions.