covert agenda

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "covert agenda" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a hidden or secret plan or intention behind actions or policies. Example: "The organization was accused of having a covert agenda that aimed to manipulate public opinion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Protestors accused the authorities of coercing the confessions; opposition politicians claimed the government was using "spy mania" to pursue a covert agenda.

The Economist

They hope their message will reach a great many Indians of their own generation, including many who fear that a vote for Mr Modi would be a vote for an unappealing, covert agenda.

The Economist

Mr. Lewis is as compelling in the role of a damaged P.O.W. with a covert agenda of revenge as Ms. Danes is as a fiercely dedicated officer hiding a bipolar condition.

The New York Times - Arts

The bottom-line for all of this a covert agenda of "let's get more consumers to spend more money on wines they may not like".

Huffington Post

As I wrote at the time: "There's no quagmire, no covert agenda to control oil reserves and gain a strategic foothold, only Noble Purpose and Kerry's promise to be as profligate a spender of the lives of America's youth as Bush.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

This is where people will share covert agendas in a less formal environment.

The Guardian

But as its main character, Athanasius Pernath, a gem-engraver living in the Jewish ghetto, is plunged from one nightmarish scenario to another at the behest of shadowy powers, unknowable bureaucracy and individuals with covert agendas: perhaps his is the story of the Jews of the Prague ghetto and their centuries of subjugation at the hands of others.

The Guardian - Books

This is true, whether you're talking about taxpayers being forced to fund high-priced weaponry that will be used against us, endless wars that do little for our safety or our freedoms, or bloated government agencies such as the National Security Agency with its secret budgets, covert agendas and clandestine activities.

Huffington Post

She discussed how important it was to understand covert and non-covert agendas at the office and who holds power and influence.

The Guardian

There was even a covert sexual agenda and an attempt to rid British theatre of its pervasive air of camp: something that was achieved with a team of associate directors who were all, as it happens, privately gay.

The Guardian

Andy Slaughter believes the article betrays a covert gerrymandering agenda behind H&F's "Decent Neighbourhoods" plans, a charge Greenhalgh has always strongly denied while the H&F has always pointed out that the pamphlet's idea are not council policy In October 2012 I revisited the article in order to test Slaughter's claims and invited Greenhalgh and Moss to comment.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "covert agenda", ensure that the context clearly indicates who is concealing the agenda and what the potential impacts of that agenda might be. Providing specific details will enhance clarity and credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "covert agenda" as a generic accusation without providing supporting evidence or context. Overusing it can weaken your argument and make your writing seem biased or unsubstantiated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "covert agenda" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "covert" modifies the noun "agenda". It describes a plan or intention that is deliberately kept secret. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, highlighting its role in describing hidden plans.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "covert agenda" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a secret or hidden plan. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts, and while semantically potent, its usage frequency is relatively rare. When employing this phrase, ensure clear contextualization to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases include "hidden motives" and "ulterior motives". While the phrase is correct, overuse or unsubstantiated claims can weaken its impact. Considering the information and usage examples, "covert agenda" is best used with careful consideration of context and supporting evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hidden motives

Focuses on the underlying motivations that are not openly declared.

ulterior motives

Highlights the existence of concealed reasons behind actions.

secret intentions

Emphasizes the secrecy surrounding the goals or aims.

veiled objectives

Suggests that the aims are disguised or not immediately apparent.

unspoken purposes

Indicates that the goals are deliberately not communicated.

private schemes

Implies a carefully arranged and secretive plan.

underlying strategy

Focuses on the strategic aspect that remains unacknowledged.

backstage machinations

Highlights behind-the-scenes manipulations to achieve a goal.

clandestine designs

Suggests secret and illicit planning.

surreptitious aims

Emphasizes the stealthy and secretive nature of the goals.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "covert agenda" in a sentence?

To use "covert agenda" effectively, ensure the sentence clearly indicates who is concealing the agenda, what the agenda entails, and why it is being concealed. For example: "Critics accused the corporation of pursuing a "covert agenda" to undermine environmental regulations."

What are some alternatives to saying "covert agenda"?

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, you could use alternatives like "hidden motives", "ulterior motives", or "secret intentions". Each carries a slightly different connotation.

What is the difference between "covert agenda" and "hidden agenda"?

While "covert agenda" and "hidden agenda" are often used interchangeably, "covert" emphasizes secrecy and concealment, whereas "hidden" simply indicates that something is not easily visible or known. The distinction is subtle but can affect the tone of your writing.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the term "covert agenda"?

The term "covert agenda" is appropriate in contexts where there is suspicion or evidence of a secret plan or intention, especially when discussing politics, business, or other situations involving power dynamics and potential deception.