collect intelligence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "collect intelligence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to gathering information, often in military, security, or research settings. Example: "The agency was tasked to collect intelligence on potential threats to national security."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Operatives collect intelligence and recruit spies.

The Guardian

"JIEDDO COIC's legal authority to collect intelligence is very clear.

The Guardian

They will come to see this place and collect intelligence on what we are doing here.

The New York Times

"By declaring some high goals of their work, they in fact collect intelligence for foreign states".

The New York Times

"It's very realistic that you would be concerned that the Chinese could collect intelligence," he said.

The New York Times

Nor is it allowed to collect intelligence solely related to people's views.

The New York Times

The C.I.A. also needed to improve its capability to collect intelligence from human agents.

The New York Times

"They wanted me to help the M.E.K. collect intelligence on Iran's nuclear program," Baer recalled.

The New Yorker

Departments dedicated to active measures did not seek to collect intelligence.

The Guardian

The Air Force said it wasn't their job to fly planes to collect intelligence.

The New Yorker

We collect intelligence not to issue warnings but to act on it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about intelligence activities, be specific about the type of intelligence being collected (e.g. "signals intelligence", "human intelligence") to provide clarity and context.

Common error

Avoid using "collect intelligence" as a vague substitute for more precise terms like "gather data", "conduct surveillance", or "analyze information" when the specific activity is known. Clarity enhances credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "collect intelligence" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes the action of gathering information, often of a sensitive or strategic nature. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability, evidenced by numerous real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "collect intelligence" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the act of gathering information, often for strategic or security purposes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various domains, particularly in news and media, followed by academia. While alternatives such as "gather intelligence" or "obtain intelligence" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance desired. Remember to provide context by specifying the type of intelligence being collected, enhancing clarity and avoiding overgeneralization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gather intelligence

Uses "gather" instead of "collect", implying a more active and comprehensive approach to acquiring information.

obtain intelligence

Replaces "collect" with "obtain", suggesting a more formal or official process of acquiring information.

acquire intelligence

Employs "acquire" instead of "collect", highlighting the gaining or procurement of intelligence.

gather information

Broader term; "information" is less specific than "intelligence", encompassing a wider range of data.

compile intelligence

Focuses on assembling intelligence from various sources, rather than the initial collection.

develop intelligence

Emphasizes the process of refining and expanding existing intelligence.

extract intelligence

Highlights the removal or derivation of intelligence from a specific source.

procure information

Similar to "obtain", but may imply a more deliberate or strategic effort to secure information.

secure intelligence

Focuses on safeguarding and ensuring the availability of intelligence.

ferret out intelligence

Implies a more investigative or searching approach to uncovering hidden intelligence.

FAQs

What does "collect intelligence" mean?

The phrase "collect intelligence" refers to the process of gathering information, often secretly, to inform decisions related to security, strategy, or policy. It's commonly associated with government agencies, military operations, and corporate espionage.

What are some synonyms for "collect intelligence"?

Alternatives to "collect intelligence" include "gather intelligence", "obtain intelligence", and "acquire information". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "collect intelligence" in formal writing?

Yes, "collect intelligence" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in contexts related to government, military, security, or research. However, ensure the tone and level of detail are suitable for your audience.

How does "collect intelligence" differ from "gather information"?

While both involve acquiring data, "collect intelligence" typically implies a more targeted, often clandestine, effort to gather specific information for strategic purposes. "Gather information" is a broader term that encompasses any type of data collection.