covert call

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "covert call" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where a call is made secretly or discreetly, often for purposes of espionage or confidential communication. Example: "The agent made a covert call to his superior to report on the situation without raising any suspicion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A senior Labour party figure made a covert call to Nick Robinson, offering him a role as Ed Miliband's spin doctor, the BBC's political editor has claimed.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Within this tenuous framework, the Nisenan understand that being recognized by the government won't fix the problems they face, but it would provide what Covert called "a safety net" for the tribe.

Vice

The first was a covert plan called Olympic Games to undermine Iran's nuclear enrichment plans with cyberattacks, according to participants in that program.

The New York Times

The best-known example is the covert effort called "Olympic Games," which the Bush administration used against Iran's nuclear program.

The New York Times

Then reports emerged about another covert program, called Hell, which Uber had used to identify drivers who were working for Lyft and lure them away.

The New Yorker

Those have been used in only one major case: the American and Israeli attack on Iran's nuclear enrichment system, part of a covert program called Olympic Games that delayed, but ultimately failed to destroy, Iran's nuclear ability.

The New York Times

They were the first World War II recruits for a new covert operation called the Office of Strategic Services, a long, vague name that hid what the soldiers would become: spies, saboteurs, commandos and undercover agents.

The New York Times - Sports

CIA interest in an old covert operation called Nightshade has resurfaced.

Los Angeles Times

Around June 1838, recent convert Sampson Avard formed a covert organization called the Danites to intimidate Mormon dissenters and oppose anti-Mormon militia units.

Wikipedia

The current crop of al-Qaeda operatives learned the ropes from the CIA, which pumped money into the mujahideen fighting forces in Afghanistan throughout the 1980s via a covert program called Operation Cyclone.

Vice

These factors have led the administration's policy makers to lengthen their estimate of how long it would take Iran to accomplish what nuclear experts call "covert breakout" — the ability to secretly produce a workable weapon.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "covert call", ensure the context clearly indicates the intention of secrecy or discretion to avoid ambiguity. Consider whether a more common synonym like "secret" or "discreet" would be more effective.

Common error

Avoid using "covert call" when a simpler term like "phone call" or "communication" would suffice. Using "covert" implies a level of secrecy or hidden activity that may not be present, and overusing it can sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "covert call" functions as a noun phrase, where "covert" modifies the noun "call". It describes a specific type of phone call characterized by secrecy or discretion. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "covert call" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a phone call made in secret or with discretion. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While relatively rare, it's primarily found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the context justifies the implication of secrecy. Alternatives such as "secret call" or "discreet call" may be more appropriate depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

secret phone call

Replaces "covert" with the more common synonym "secret", emphasizing the hidden nature of the communication.

clandestine call

Emphasizes the illicit or secretive nature of the call, implying a hidden purpose.

surreptitious call

Highlights the stealthy and secretive manner in which the call was made.

discreet communication

Focuses on the prudence and carefulness of the communication rather than its hidden aspect.

hidden communication

Emphasizes that the communication is concealed or not easily discoverable.

undercover communication

Highlights the clandestine nature and potential deception involved in the call.

confidential phone call

Stresses the sensitivity and restricted access to the information discussed during the call.

private communication

Indicates the call was not intended for public knowledge or consumption.

secret contact

Broadens the scope to any form of secret contact, not just a phone call.

unpublicized call

Focuses on the fact that the call was not made known to the public.

FAQs

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

You can use "covert call" to describe a phone call made secretly or discreetly. For example: "The agent made a "covert call" to his superior to report on the situation."

What is a less formal way to say "covert call"?

Depending on the context, you could use "secret call" or "private call" as less formal alternatives.

When is it appropriate to use the term "covert call"?

Use "covert call" when you want to emphasize the secretive or clandestine nature of a phone call, often in situations involving espionage, sensitive negotiations, or confidential information.

What's the difference between a "covert call" and a "discreet call"?

While both imply a degree of secrecy, a "covert call" suggests a hidden or clandestine purpose, whereas a "discreet call" emphasizes the carefulness and prudence exercised to avoid unwanted attention.