eavesdropping

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "eavesdropping" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of secretly listening to a conversation without the knowledge of the participants. Example: "She was caught eavesdropping on her neighbors' conversation through the thin walls."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

According to the Daily Beast, Soldatov said it could lift a de facto ban on public conversations about state eavesdropping.

The Guardian - Opinion

That was the law which George Bush, in late 2001, violated, when he secretly authorized eavesdropping on the international calls of Americans without any warrants from that court.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Fisa court plays no role whatsoever in reviewing whether the procedures it approved are actually complied with when the NSA starts eavesdropping on calls and reading people's emails.

The Guardian - Opinion

Not necessarily a bad thing, given that it was was often like eavesdropping on a particularly dull table at the pub.

The Guardian

Journalists would sing an amended version of a Spike Milligan song while eavesdropping on his messages, Hipwell claimed.

The Guardian

Twelve days after the destruction of the files, the Guardian reported on US funding of GCHQ eavesdropping operations and published a portrait of working life in the British agency's huge "doughnut" building in Cheltenham.

The Guardian

The documents show Tempora gave the UK "the biggest internet access" of any member of the Five Eyes electronic eavesdropping alliance, comprising the US, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

The Guardian

Once the Fisa court puts its approval stamp on the NSA's procedures, there is no external judicial check on which targets end up being selected by the NSA analysts for eavesdropping.

The Guardian - Opinion

Private conversations everywhere are monitored by eavesdropping informers, as well as bugs and phone-taps.

The Economist

It is unlikely that America's spy agencies will be told to stop all eavesdropping on friendly foreign leaders the definition of who or what is a friend is hard to fix (spying on Mrs Merkel may be hard to fathom, less so her predecessor, Gerhard Schröder, whose links with Vladimir Putin were a source of real concern).

The Economist

Public- and private-sector workers are to stage another general strike; they have held more than 30 since 2010.The British ambassador was summoned to Germany's foreign ministry for his reaction to the latest spying allegations, printed in the British media, that the roof of his embassy in Berlin may have been used by the Americans for eavesdropping.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "eavesdropping", consider the ethical implications. Is the act justified, or does it violate privacy? Clearly establish the context and motivations behind the act.

Common error

Avoid using "eavesdropping" when someone overhears a conversation unintentionally. "Eavesdropping" implies a deliberate effort to listen secretly. Otherwise, use "overhearing" instead.

Linguistic Context

Eavesdropping functions primarily as a noun, referring to the act of secretly listening to a conversation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the examples provided demonstrate its role in describing unauthorized surveillance and breaches of privacy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "eavesdropping" refers to the act of secretly listening to a conversation. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media contexts. While the term itself is neutral, its usage often carries negative connotations due to the ethical implications of privacy violation. Related terms include "overhearing" and "wiretapping", though each carries slightly different nuances. When writing about "eavesdropping", it's important to consider the context and ethical implications. Understanding these aspects will ensure accurate and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

secretly listening

Directly describes the act of listening in a clandestine manner.

surreptitious listening

Emphasizes the stealthy and secretive nature of the act.

overhearing

Refers to accidentally hearing a conversation, which can be a less intentional form of listening.

clandestine listening

Highlights the covert and often illicit aspect of listening.

listening in

A more casual way of saying eavesdropping, often implying a degree of informality.

wiretapping

Specifically refers to tapping into phone lines to listen to conversations.

bugging

Involves planting a listening device to secretly record or transmit conversations.

electronic surveillance

Highlights a very common type of eavesdropping that is focused on electronics.

spying on

A broader term encompassing various methods of gathering information secretly, including listening.

unauthorized surveillance

Focuses on the lack of permission or legality in monitoring communications.

FAQs

What's the difference between "eavesdropping" and "overhearing"?

"Eavesdropping" implies intentional and secret listening, while "overhearing" suggests accidentally hearing something not meant for you.

Is "eavesdropping" always illegal?

Not necessarily. "Eavesdropping" can be illegal depending on the laws and jurisdictions involved, particularly when it violates privacy or requires warrants. However, it is not always illegal.

What are some synonyms for "eavesdropping" in formal writing?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "unauthorized surveillance", "clandestine listening", or "surreptitious listening".

How can I avoid being accused of "eavesdropping"?

Respect others' privacy and avoid intentionally listening to private conversations without permission. If you accidentally overhear something, refrain from sharing the information.