federal agent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "federal agent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an official representative of a federal agency, typically involved in law enforcement or regulatory activities. Example: "The federal agent presented evidence in court to support the case against the defendant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

J. Calhoun, Federal Agent.

The New Yorker

"Cloak and dagger," as one federal agent put it.

The New York Times

The man was actually an undercover federal agent.

The New York Times

"You look like a federal agent," he observed.

The New Yorker

Their emotions ran high, a federal agent testified.

The New York Times

"You want instinct to take over," one federal agent said.

The New York Times

French then introduced himself as a federal agent.

The New Yorker

Then, several months ago, a federal agent showed up.

The New York Times

At midnight, a federal agent (John Ireland) tracks down nuclear weapons smugglers in "The 49th Man".

The New York Times

A few days later, another conversation was recorded between Ms. Hermon and an undercover federal agent.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Related: Mexican Soldiers and a Federal Agent Caught on Tape Torturing a Woman.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a "federal agent", be specific about the agency they work for (e.g., FBI, DEA, ATF) to provide clarity and context.

Common error

Avoid assuming that any law enforcement officer is a "federal agent". Always verify their specific agency affiliation to ensure accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "federal agent" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it refers to an official representative of a federal agency, often involved in law enforcement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "federal agent" is a common noun phrase used to describe individuals employed by federal agencies, primarily in law enforcement roles. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and media contexts. When using this term, specificity regarding the agency involved enhances clarity. Alternative phrases like "government investigator" or "special agent" can be used depending on the desired nuance. It's crucial to avoid incorrectly labeling state or local law enforcement as "federal agents".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

federal law enforcement officer

Highlights the law enforcement aspect of the agent's role at the federal level.

special agent

Commonly used term for agents with investigative responsibilities, often in the context of the FBI.

government investigator

Emphasizes the investigative role of the agent, rather than specific agency affiliation.

federal investigator

Highlights the investigative function performed at the federal level.

government special agent

Combines 'government' for clarity with 'special agent' to convey authority.

U.S. government agent

Specifies the agent's affiliation with the United States government.

federal bureau officer

More specific, implies work within a federal bureau or agency.

federal officer

A more general term indicating any officer working for the federal government.

undercover operative

Focuses on the clandestine nature of the agent's work, implying secrecy and disguise.

federal official

A broader term that includes any official working for the federal government, not necessarily in law enforcement.

FAQs

How is "federal agent" typically used in a sentence?

The term "federal agent" is usually followed by information about their actions, agency, or role in a specific case. For example: "The federal agent presented evidence", or "The federal agent from the FBI investigated the crime scene".

What are some alternative terms for "federal agent"?

You can use alternatives such as "government investigator", "federal law enforcement officer", or "special agent" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "federal agent" to describe any law enforcement officer?

No, "federal agent" specifically refers to agents working for a federal agency. Local or state law enforcement officers are not "federal agents".

What is the difference between a "federal agent" and a police officer?

A "federal agent" works for a federal agency with nationwide jurisdiction, while a police officer typically works for a local or state government with limited geographical jurisdiction. The "federal agent" enforces federal laws, while a police officer enforces state and local laws.