covert information

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'covert information' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to information that is not openly shared or disclosed, especially for security or secrecy reasons. For example: "The intelligence agency was tasked with gathering covert information about the enemy's military plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Any covert information about the badges would be gratefully received.

The Guardian

They see direct information and covert information as complementary.

The Guardian

"Our world is transformed by covert information, political messages," Mr. Chin said.

The New York Times - Arts

Similarities: Solitary individuals leak covert information to correct perceived miscarriage of justice; some see them as traitors.

The New York Times

I study covert information acquisition and reporting in a principal agent problem allowing for general technologies of information acquisition.

Games and Economic Behavior

But the intent of electrons -- to deliver a message, deliver a virus, or pass covert information -- is much harder to figure".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The rest of our "human intelligence" came from covert information-gathering by clandestine case officers, that is, from spies.

The New York Times

Moderneyes asked about national security and the use of covert human information sources.

The Guardian - Opinion

Britain has utterly failed to prepare itself for openness when dealing with politically sensitive issues such as terrorism, or the involvement of their secret agencies in the covert gathering of information.

The Guardian - Opinion

Wired magazine published an online guide for making a hand-sized Faraday Cage out of duct tape and aluminium foil for those concerned about the possibility of the covert retrieval of information from cards and gadgets via discreet scanners.

BBC

They cared more about the covert nature of information than about its content or process.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing sensitive topics, use "covert information" to emphasize the need for secrecy and discretion in handling the data. This signals the importance of protecting the information from unauthorized access.

Common error

Avoid using "covert information" when you actually mean information that is openly available. "Covert" specifically refers to information that is hidden or secret, while "overt" refers to information that is public and easily accessible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "covert information" functions as a noun phrase where "covert" modifies "information". It denotes a specific type of information that is secret or hidden. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is both correct and usable in English, widely applied to define intelligence or data that is surreptitiously gathered or handled.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "covert information" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes information obtained or handled secretly. According to Ludwig AI, it's perfectly acceptable to use this term in formal writing. Its primary function is to highlight the secrecy and confidentiality associated with the information, often implying it was acquired through clandestine methods. It is often used in contexts such as news reporting, scientific research, and formal business communications. Alternatives include phrases like ""secret intelligence"" or ""classified data"", each with slightly different nuances. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the hidden or secretive nature of the information being discussed to avoid miscommunication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

secret intelligence

Focuses on the intelligence aspect, highlighting its secrecy.

classified data

Emphasizes the formal classification and sensitivity of the data.

undercover intelligence

Highlights the undercover nature of the intelligence gathering.

confidential intelligence

Stresses the confidentiality and restricted access to the information.

hidden data

Emphasizes the concealed nature of the data.

private intelligence

Highlights the restricted or non-public nature of the intelligence.

unrevealed details

Focuses on the fact that the details are not yet known or disclosed.

non-public information

Highlights the information's unavailability to the general public.

secret data

Focuses on the data aspect and highlights its secrecy.

clandestine intelligence

Emphasizes the clandestine or secretive nature of the intelligence activities.

FAQs

How can "covert information" be used in a sentence?

You can use "covert information" to describe intelligence or data that is gathered or handled secretly. For example, "The spy agency specialized in collecting "covert information" about enemy activities".

What is the difference between "covert information" and "secret information"?

"Covert information" often implies that the information was obtained through secret or clandestine means, whereas "secret information" simply indicates that the information is not meant to be public. The term "covert information" often suggests an active effort to conceal its existence or origin.

What are some alternatives to "covert information"?

Alternatives to "covert information" include "secret intelligence", "classified data", or "undercover intelligence". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the term "covert information"?

It's appropriate to use "covert information" when discussing intelligence operations, espionage, or any situation where information is deliberately concealed or gathered through secretive methods. This includes military strategy, corporate espionage, and political intrigue.