a covert issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a covert issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a matter that is hidden or not openly acknowledged, often implying secrecy or confidentiality. Example: "The investigation revealed a covert issue within the organization that needed to be addressed immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"HIV is a covert issue, it is very hidden.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

This paper shows how cognitive interviewing with pairs of interviews per iteration of the questionnaire can be used to identify overt and covert issues with comprehension, retrieval, judgment and response experienced by respondents when attempting to answer a question or navigate around the questionnaire.

Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy

The fact that Peter Humphrey, the investigator hired by GSK to look at the separate issue of a covert video recording of a senior GSK China executive, Mark Reilly, having sex, found that the allegations were "credible" does not help Sir Andrew.

BBC

Under federal law, a Presidential Finding, which is highly classified, must be issued when a covert intelligence operation gets under way and, at a minimum, must be made known to Democratic and Republican leaders in the House and the Senate and to the ranking members of their respective intelligence committees — the so-called Gang of Eight.

The New Yorker

Of course, issuing patches for a covert operation sounds like a joke — I fear for my life just flipping through the pages — but truth be told, these days everything is branded.

The New York Times - Books

"A covert warrant denies those individuals with the greatest interest in ensuring that the issue and execution occurs strictly in accordance with the law this ability".

The Guardian

A considerable number of packets can be used as a covert channel.

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

Both the contempt citation and the subpoena were issued in a federal investigation of whether the Bush administration had illegally disclosed the identity of a covert officer of the Central Intelligence Agency to the syndicated columnist Robert Novak and other journalists.

The New York Times

Not a covert touch.

The New York Times - Style

(He is not a covert operative).

The New Yorker

Act like a covert revolutionary.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a covert issue", ensure the context clearly indicates the nature and implications of the secrecy or hidden aspect. Providing some hints without revealing the full issue can create intrigue and encourage further investigation or discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "a covert issue" when the matter is merely sensitive or confidential but not actively concealed. Overusing the term can diminish its impact and suggest a level of secrecy that doesn't exist. Choose a less dramatic term if the situation warrants it.

Linguistic Context

A covert issue functions as a noun phrase, where "covert" modifies the noun "issue". It typically acts as a subject or object within a sentence, referring to a problem or matter that is not openly acknowledged or is intentionally hidden. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

A covert issue refers to a hidden or unacknowledged problem, often implying secrecy or confidentiality. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While not very common, its usage is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, particularly in news and media, and scientific discussions. When using this phrase, be mindful of overstating the secrecy and ensure the context warrants such a description. Alternatives include "a hidden problem" or "a secret matter".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A hidden problem

Focuses on the concealed nature of the problem.

A secret matter

Emphasizes the confidentiality and secrecy surrounding the issue.

An undisclosed concern

Highlights the lack of transparency about the concern.

A concealed difficulty

Stresses the effort to keep the difficulty out of sight.

A clandestine affair

Suggests secrecy and intrigue surrounding the matter.

An unacknowledged challenge

Indicates that the challenge is not being recognized or admitted.

A veiled threat

Emphasizes the subtle and indirect nature of the threat.

A surreptitious practice

Highlights the stealthy and secretive manner of the practice.

An underground movement

Refers to a movement operating in secrecy.

A private dilemma

Stresses the personal and confidential nature of the dilemma.

FAQs

How can I use "a covert issue" in a sentence?

You can use "a covert issue" to describe a problem or situation that is hidden or not openly acknowledged. For example: "The investigation revealed "a covert issue" within the department."

What are some alternatives to "a covert issue"?

Alternatives include "a hidden problem", "a secret matter", or "an undisclosed concern", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "a covert issue" and "a sensitive issue"?

"A covert issue" implies that the matter is actively hidden or concealed, while "a sensitive issue" simply means that the topic requires careful handling due to its delicate nature. A sensitive issue may be openly discussed, but a covert issue is kept secret.

Is "a covert issue" formal or informal language?

"A covert issue" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, be mindful of the specific audience and ensure the level of formality aligns with the overall tone of your writing.