covert operations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "covert operations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to secret or hidden activities, often in a military or intelligence context. Example: "The agency conducted covert operations to gather intelligence without alerting the enemy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"No overt or covert operations inside Pakistan shall be tolerated".

The New York Times

Covert operations must never implicate medicine or medical professionals.

The New York Times

Has the U.S. used covert operations to foment regime change?

The New Yorker

They do not conduct foreign intelligence collection or covert operations".

The New York Times

Instead, the Iranians see continued threats, sanctions, and covert operations".

The New Yorker

"This is how real covert operations are done," he said.

The New Yorker

Deniability is a crucial ingredient of covert operations.

The New Yorker

More covert operations might have taken place, too.

The Guardian

Morales was a legendary figure in CIA covert operations.

The Guardian

Dirty Wars Doc on the US military's covert operations.

The Guardian - Film

Other covert operations are also under way, though their extent remains unknown.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing sensitive international relations or intelligence matters, use "covert operations" to maintain a professional and neutral tone. This avoids sensationalizing or oversimplifying complex geopolitical issues.

Common error

While "covert operations" is technically correct, it can sound overly dramatic in everyday conversation. Opt for simpler terms like "secret plans" or "hidden activities" when discussing less serious matters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "covert operations" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes specific, clandestine activities, as supported by Ludwig's numerous examples from news and media sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "covert operations" is a noun phrase widely used to describe secret or clandestine activities, particularly in military and intelligence contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently found in news and media sources. When writing, it's best to use "covert operations" when maintaining a neutral and professional tone, especially in formal or informative content. Alternatives like ""clandestine activities"" or ""secret missions"" may be more appropriate in less formal settings. Be mindful of overusing the term in casual contexts, where simpler alternatives might suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clandestine activities

Replaces "operations" with "activities", emphasizing the nature of the actions.

secret missions

Substitutes "covert" with "secret" and "operations" with "missions", highlighting the goal-oriented aspect.

undercover activities

Replaces "covert" with "undercover", indicating activities performed in disguise or secrecy.

secret operations

Replaces "covert" with "secret" keeping similar structure.

underground actions

Emphasizes the hidden and often illicit nature of the actions.

secret initiatives

Focuses on the proactive and planned nature of the secret endeavors.

unacknowledged activities

Highlights the lack of official endorsement or recognition.

hidden maneuvers

Implies strategic and secretive movements or actions.

private intelligence actions

Emphasizes secrecy involving intelligence agencies.

black ops

A more informal and abbreviated term for highly classified and secret operations.

FAQs

What does "covert operations" mean?

"Covert operations" refers to secret or clandestine activities, often carried out by government agencies or military units, intended to remain hidden from the public or an enemy.

How to use "covert operations" in a sentence?

You can use "covert operations" in sentences like: "The agency conducted "clandestine activities" to gather intelligence" or "The military engaged in "undercover activities" to disrupt the enemy's plans".

What are some alternatives to "covert operations"?

Some alternatives to "covert operations" include "secret missions", "undercover activities", or "clandestine activities" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

What is the difference between "covert operations" and "overt operations"?

"Covert operations" are secret and hidden, while "overt operations" are open and publicly acknowledged actions.