a clandestine operation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clandestine operation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a secret or covert activity, often related to espionage or undercover work. Example: "The agency conducted a clandestine operation to gather intelligence on the enemy's movements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Moreover, police officials say they are investigating whether Algerian operatives also set up a clandestine operation here to forge passports and credit cards to finance terrorist operations.

The New York Times

Far from being a clandestine operation, she said, everyone knew the multi-generational household was hiding Jews.

Stanford University

GORI, Georgia — In the predawn darkness on Friday, Georgian authorities carried out a clandestine operation in Gori's central square.

The New York Times

Salem revealed that his expulsion from Kurdistan was a ploy he had returned to Mosul to conduct a clandestine operation.

The New Yorker

He is particularly worrked that bombs might be made in a clandestine operation by a nation, a group or an individual with stolen materials.

The New Yorker

Over the last 30 years he's crisscrossed the globe conducting a clandestine operation to give away a $7.5bn fortune derived from hawking cognac, perfume and cigarettes".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Mr. Psihoyos refers to the production team he hired, which included a pair of free divers, a maritime technician and a "clandestine operations" organizer, as "Oceans 11".

The New York Times

But any surveillance and any clandestine operation in a democracy raises questions, he says.

The Guardian

The secretive information was at the heart of a dramatic, clandestine operation that involved Nunes ducking out of an Uber ride last week at midnight to slip onto the grounds of the White House, where he was shown documents on a secure server, according to the Republican congressman.

Huffington Post

The secretive information was at the heart of a dramatic, clandestine operation that involved Nunes ducking out of an Uber ride last week at midnight to slip onto the grounds of the White House, where he was shown documents on a secure server, according to the Republican congressman.

HuffPost

Three American zoos have pulled off an audacious clandestine operation to fly a group of elephants out of Swaziland despite a legal challenge to block the transfer, enraging conservationists who claim that removing elephants from the wild for display in zoos is cruel and outdated.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing activities of intelligence agencies or military units, "a clandestine operation" adds a layer of intrigue and secrecy. Consider the target audience and context to appropriately set the tone of the message.

Common error

Be careful not to use "a clandestine operation" when the activity is clearly visible or public. Clandestine implies secrecy and concealment; using it in the wrong context undermines credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clandestine operation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. It describes a specific type of activity. Ludwig confirms its proper use in context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

16%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a clandestine operation" effectively describes a secret and covert activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and commonly used in news and academic contexts. While alternatives like "a covert mission" or "a secret undertaking" exist, "a clandestine operation" holds a specific connotation of secrecy and intentional concealment. Remember to use it accurately, ensuring the activity is indeed hidden to maintain credibility. Ludwig's examples show the phrase's adaptability across various scenarios requiring discretion and stealth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a covert mission

Focuses on the secrecy and specific goal of the activity. Slightly more direct.

a secret undertaking

Emphasizes the hidden nature and initiative involved. Can imply a longer-term project.

an undercover endeavor

Highlights the disguised or concealed manner in which the activity is carried out. More specific to investigations.

a surreptitious activity

Stresses the stealthy and secretive nature of the action. More formal tone.

a stealth operation

Highlights the need for avoiding detection. Commonly used in military or security contexts.

a secret scheme

Implies a plan that is hidden, and potentially deceitful, to achieve a specific aim.

a private initiative

Focuses on the exclusive and non-public nature of the action. Can be less negative than "scheme".

an unacknowledged project

Highlights the lack of official recognition or approval for the activity.

a shadow operation

Suggests a hidden and potentially unofficial activity, often implying illegality.

a backroom deal

Implies secretive negotiations or agreements, often with negative connotations.

FAQs

How can I use "a clandestine operation" in a sentence?

You can use "a clandestine operation" to describe any secret or covert activity, such as "The agency conducted "a clandestine operation" to gather intelligence" or "His involvement in "a clandestine operation" was later revealed".

What are some alternatives to "a clandestine operation"?

Some alternatives to "a clandestine operation" include "a covert mission", "a secret undertaking", or "an undercover endeavor", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "clandestine operation" a formal or informal term?

"Clandestine operation" is generally considered a neutral to formal term. While it can appear in news and media /s/news+and+media, it's also suitable for more formal contexts such as academic papers or reports.

What distinguishes "a clandestine operation" from a regular operation?

The key difference is secrecy. "A clandestine operation" implies that the activity is conducted in secret and is intended to remain hidden, whereas a regular operation may be open and transparent.