a handful of intelligence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a handful of intelligence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small amount of intelligence or knowledge, often implying that it is not sufficient or comprehensive. Example: "Despite his claims, he only had a handful of intelligence about the project, which led to several mistakes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Later that year the Operationally Responsive Space Office ORSOopenedned at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, staffed with experts from America's air force, army, marines and navy, a handful of intelligence agencies, and NASA, the space agency.

The Economist

More than 150 police and soldiers, US and Afghan – along with a handful of intelligence officers – had taken part in the mission, which began at 6am and ended a couple of hours after sunset.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Handling the interviews there are some three dozen interrogators -- the Army calls them "human intelligence collectors" -- from the military, the F.B.I. and the Central Intelligence Agency, and a handful of foreign intelligence officers.

The New York Times

Georgia's arrest last month of a handful of Russian intelligence officers (terrorists, insists Mr Saakashvili) may have been a counter-provocation, aimed at garnering international sympathy.If that was the plan, it probably worked: the Russians went berserk.

The Economist

But in recent weeks, officials in Washington and New York have said in interviews that they believed only a handful of Iraqi intelligence officers were still active in the United States, and that they had been successfully identified by the American government.

The New York Times

Despite pledges from Pakistan to dismantle militant groups operating on its soil, and the arrest of a handful of operatives, intelligence officials say Lashkar has persisted, even flourished, since the Mumbai attacks, in which 10 Pakistanis killed more than 160 people.

The New York Times

In the fullest account yet of the events that led to the fateful day, Wright unmasks the secret world of Osama bin Laden and his collaborators and also chronicles the efforts of a handful of American intelligence officers alert to the approaching danger but frustrated, time and again, in their efforts to stop it.

The New York Times

Beijing-based Infervision is among a handful of artificial intelligence startups around the world racing to improve medical imaging analysis through deep learning, the same technology that powers face recognition and autonomous driving.

TechCrunch

He said that Iran was "one of a handful of the hardest intelligence targets going" and the new intelligence had only arrived in the past few months.

The Guardian

There were only 26 of them, supplemented by a handful of FBI and intelligence agents, to interrogate 300 initial detainees – mostly Saudis, Afghans, Pakistanis and Yemenis.

The Guardian

Asked Monday to explain how that was possible, Stephen J. Hadley, the national security adviser, said simply: "Iran is one of a handful of the hardest intelligence targets going.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a handful of intelligence", ensure the context clearly indicates what the intelligence is related to and why its limited quantity is significant. This adds clarity and impact to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a handful of intelligence" when a more precise measurement or description of the intelligence level is possible. Vague statements can weaken your argument. If you know more specific details, share them.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a handful of intelligence" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It modifies the noun "intelligence" to denote a limited quantity. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes a situation where there's not much knowledge available.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

News & Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a handful of intelligence" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a limited amount of information or understanding. Ludwig AI confirms that its intended meaning is a small or insufficient amount of knowledge. While the phrase is relatively uncommon, with only a few examples found in reliable sources, it is predominantly used in news and media contexts. When employing this phrase, clarity and precision are crucial to ensure that the limited scope of intelligence is appropriately conveyed. Alternatives such as "limited intelligence" or "a small amount of intelligence" can be used for similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small amount of intelligence

Replaces "handful" with "small amount", directly indicating a limited quantity.

limited intelligence

Uses the adjective "limited" to describe the extent of the intelligence.

scant intelligence

Uses "scant" to emphasize the inadequacy or deficiency of intelligence.

a modicum of intelligence

Replaces "handful" with "modicum", suggesting a very small or moderate amount.

a trace of intelligence

Indicates that only a slight sign of intelligence is present.

a lack of profound intellect

Focuses on the absence of deep or significant intellectual capability.

minimal mental acumen

Emphasizes the very basic level of mental sharpness and quickness.

restricted cognitive ability

Highlights the constrained or limited scope of cognitive skills.

a limited grasp of understanding

Indicates a partial or incomplete comprehension.

insufficient intellectual capacity

Highlights the inadequate quantity of intellectual ability.

FAQs

How can I use "a handful of intelligence" in a sentence?

You can use "a handful of intelligence" to describe a situation where there's a limited amount of knowledge or understanding. For instance, "Despite the complex situation, the team approached it with only a handful of intelligence".

What does "a handful of intelligence" imply?

It implies that the amount of intelligence, information, or understanding available is small and possibly inadequate for the task or situation at hand.

What can I say instead of "a handful of intelligence"?

You can use alternatives like "limited intelligence", "scant intelligence", or "a small amount of intelligence" depending on the context.

Is "a handful of intelligence" a formal or informal expression?

"A handful of" is generally considered an informal expression, but in combination with the noun "intelligence", it can be used in neutral contexts to express a limited understanding or information.