would not disclose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "would not disclose" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone or an organization that refuses to share information or details about a particular subject. Example: "The company would not disclose the details of the merger to the public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They would not disclose terms.

The New York Times - Sports

Verizon executives would not disclose its cost.

The New York Times

Mr. Govan would not disclose the price.

The New York Times - Arts

(They would not disclose the amount).

The New York Times

The buyer would not disclose the price.

The New York Times

They would not disclose the cost.

The New York Times

(Gaynor would not disclose specifics).

The New York Times

He would not disclose profits.

The New York Times

(It would not disclose fees).

The New York Times - Arts

Would not disclose peak-time rate.

The Guardian - Money

The company would not disclose the price.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "would not disclose" when you want to clearly state that someone or an organization deliberately chose not to reveal specific information. It's suitable for formal and neutral contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "would not disclose" when the information is simply unknown or unavailable, rather than intentionally withheld. Use phrases like "could not determine" or "was not known" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "would not disclose" functions as a declarative statement indicating a refusal or unwillingness to reveal specific information. Ludwig's examples highlight its usage across various reporting contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "would not disclose" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate a deliberate withholding of information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is predominantly found in news and media contexts, implying a neutral to formal tone. Alternatives include "declined to reveal" or "refused to divulge", offering nuanced ways to express a similar sentiment. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects an intentional act of non-disclosure, rather than a simple lack of knowledge. Its frequent occurrence in reputable news sources underscores its reliability and appropriateness for professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

declined to reveal

Emphasizes a formal refusal to make something known.

refused to divulge

Highlights a strong unwillingness to share details.

remained tight-lipped about

Indicates a deliberate effort to keep information secret.

kept confidential

Focuses on the act of maintaining secrecy.

chose not to share

Simple and direct, indicating a conscious decision to withhold information.

did not reveal

A straightforward statement of non-disclosure.

held back from disclosing

Implies a conscious effort to suppress information.

opted to withhold

Suggests a deliberate choice to not provide information.

refrained from mentioning

Highlights the avoidance of bringing up a specific topic or detail.

stayed silent on

Indicates a complete lack of comment on a particular issue.

FAQs

What does "would not disclose" mean?

The phrase "would not disclose" means that someone or an organization deliberately chose not to reveal specific information. It implies a conscious decision to keep something secret.

What can I say instead of "would not disclose"?

You can use alternatives like "declined to reveal", "refused to divulge", or "chose not to share" depending on the context.

Is "would not disclose" formal or informal?

"Would not disclose" is generally considered neutral to formal. It's suitable for news reports, business communications, and other professional contexts.

Is it correct to say "did not disclose" instead of "would not disclose"?

Yes, "did not disclose" is grammatically correct. However, "would not disclose" often implies a deliberate choice to withhold information, while "did not disclose" can simply mean the information was not revealed for any reason.