double agenda

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "double agenda" is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to a hidden or secret plan or motive behind someone's actions. It can also mean having two conflicting goals or intentions. Example: The CEO's double agenda was finally exposed when it was revealed that she had been using company funds for personal gain. In this sentence, "double agenda" is used to show that the CEO had two intentions - to appear as a successful leader while secretly benefiting herself.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

They have accused Pakistan's president, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, of a double agenda: cooperating with the United States in its fight against Islamic terrorists in Afghanistan, while supporting similar groups in a holy war in Kashmir.

The New York Times

He could never wholly trust De Klerk, after he realised that he had endorsed a "double agenda" that included secret police support of Zulu killing bands; and he still felt the need to re-assert the ANC's power by demonstrations and strikes.

Independent

Sehgal's pieces, she wrote, "like so much other participatory art under neoliberalism, serve a double agenda: offering a popular art of and for the people, while at the same time, reminding us that today we all experience a constant pressure to perform and, moreover, this is one in which we have no choice but to participate".

The Guardian

In so doing, his pieces, like so much other participatory art under neoliberalism, serve a double agenda: offering a popular art of and for the people, while at the same time, reminding us that today we all experience a constant pressure to perform and, moreover, this is one in which we have no choice but to participate.

The Guardian - Opinion

Karlov and his aristocratic, ex-soldier father are consumed by a double agenda: making a living and taking vengeance on the Bolsheviks, particularly on the commissar who murdered Alexander's mother, abducted his twin sister and smashed Alexander's leg.

Forbes

This double agenda may partly explain why mothers received information on HIV/AIDS, malaria and immunization and much less on recommended newborn care practices.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"There has been nothing but duplicity, double dealings and double agendas," said Richard Spoor, the lawyer who handled the case.

The New York Times

His Giuliani is an out-and-out fraud, whose life is a "mesh of half-truths, double agendas and secrets".

The New York Times - Books

But a spokesperson later qualifies Haub's comments: The company will do takeovers on an "opportunistic" basis — they aren't necessarily part of the revenue-doubling agenda.

Forbes

The story is a web of double crosses, hidden agendas and coincidences so intricate that every so often one character has to sit another down and, with flashbacks, explain (for the audience, too) just what is going on.

The New York Times

Chad Griffin, president of the Human Rights Campaign, said: "Donald Trump just doubled down on his agenda of hate and discrimination by choosing the notoriously anti-LGBTQ Mike Pence for his ticket.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "double agenda" when you want to convey that someone has a hidden or conflicting set of goals in addition to their stated objective. This adds a layer of complexity and potential deception to the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "double agenda" interchangeably with "hidden agenda" if the intention is simply to point out a secret plan. "Double agenda" specifically implies two concurrent, potentially conflicting agendas, whereas "hidden agenda" only refers to a concealed one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "double agenda" functions primarily as a noun phrase that typically acts as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English, highlighting its role in describing hidden or conflicting intentions, as seen in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "double agenda" is a correct and relatively uncommon way to describe a situation where someone has a hidden or conflicting motive alongside their stated objective. Ludwig AI confirms this, noting that it signifies not just a secret plan, but two potentially conflicting intentions. It's most frequently encountered in News & Media, where it adds a layer of intrigue or suspicion. When writing, remember that it is best used when highlighting the duplicity and conflicting aims rather than a singular, concealed motive. Alternatives like "ulterior motive" or "hidden agenda" may be more appropriate if only one secret objective exists. In summary, "double agenda" is a potent phrase for conveying complexity and potential deception.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hidden agenda

Emphasizes the concealed nature of the plan.

ulterior motive

Focuses on a hidden reason behind actions.

secret plan

Highlights the clandestine aspect of the scheme.

conflict of interest

Stresses the clash between different interests or goals.

dual purpose

Implies two different functions or objectives.

two-track approach

Suggests pursuing two strategies simultaneously.

covert operation

Highlights the secret and often strategic nature of the activity.

deceptive tactic

Focuses on the misleading nature of the strategy.

strategic ambiguity

Refers to intentionally unclear communication to serve multiple purposes.

mixed motives

Indicates having both good and bad reasons for doing something.

FAQs

How can I use "double agenda" in a sentence?

You can use "double agenda" to describe a situation where someone has both an overt and a covert objective, such as: "The politician's claim of public service masked a "double agenda" of personal enrichment".

What's the difference between "hidden agenda" and "double agenda"?

"Hidden agenda" refers to a single concealed motive, while "double agenda" suggests the presence of two simultaneous, often conflicting, objectives.

What are some alternatives to "double agenda"?

Depending on the context, you could use "ulterior motive", "conflict of interest", or "mixed motives" as alternatives to "double agenda".

In what situations is it appropriate to use the term "double agenda"?

Use "double agenda" when you suspect someone is pursuing a secret objective that contradicts or undermines their stated goal. It's often used in political, business, or personal contexts to describe duplicity or conflicting intentions.