gathering intelligence

USAGE SUMMARY

"gathering intelligence" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used when you are referring to the act of collecting information, especially in the context of the military, espionage, or security. For example: "Our team is responsible for gathering intelligence on our rivals' strategies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He's around, gathering intelligence.

The New Yorker

The first is in gathering intelligence.

The Economist

Guantanamo was not optimized for gathering intelligence.

The Guardian

He was always gathering intelligence.

The Guardian - Books

He was gathering intelligence, officials say.

The Guardian

She wasn't walking the back roads gathering intelligence.

The New York Times

"Al Qaeda placed great emphasis on gathering intelligence".

The New York Times

[Eating Consciously] Food tourists are gathering intelligence on museum restaurants.

The New York Times

So I started gathering intelligence on their commanders.

The Guardian

"They were asking me to do stuff like gathering intelligence, especially gathering intelligence from China, Hong Kong and Macau," she said.

Independent

Diplomats may be useful in gathering intelligence, but that is not their primary purpose.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "gathering intelligence", be specific about the type of intelligence and the methods used. Provide context to clarify the purpose and scope of the intelligence-gathering activity.

Common error

Avoid using "gathering intelligence" as a vague catch-all phrase. Instead, specify the kind of information being gathered and the specific objectives behind it to provide greater clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gathering intelligence" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as a noun in a sentence. It describes the activity of collecting information, typically with a strategic or covert purpose, as seen in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gathering intelligence" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase referring to the strategic collection of information. As highlighted by Ludwig, its function ranges from noun to verb, and its purpose is to inform decisions, assess risks, or gain advantages. The phrase's register can be neutral or formal. It's commonly found in News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business contexts. While the phrase is deemed grammatically correct, it's crucial to avoid overgeneralization and specify the type of intelligence to maintain clarity. Overall, Ludwig affirms that "gathering intelligence" is a versatile phrase with a clear and consistent meaning across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

collecting information

This alternative focuses on the general act of collecting data, without necessarily implying a strategic or covert purpose.

acquiring data

This alternative emphasizes the process of obtaining factual information, often in a technical or scientific context.

conducting surveillance

This alternative highlights the act of monitoring activities or individuals to gather information.

obtaining insights

This alternative focuses on gaining a deeper understanding through the gathered information.

performing reconnaissance

This alternative refers to the military or strategic activity of gathering information about an enemy or area.

monitoring activities

This alternative describes observing and tracking actions to collect relevant data.

assessing threats

This alternative focuses on the evaluation of potential dangers based on gathered information.

investigating matters

This alternative refers to a systematic inquiry to discover and examine the facts of an incident, allegation etc. so as to establish the truth.

compiling reports

This alternative underscores the act of assembling and summarizing information into a structured format.

procuring secret

This alternative focuses on obtaining private or confidential information.

FAQs

How is "gathering intelligence" used in a sentence?

You can use "gathering intelligence" to describe the process of collecting information, often in a strategic or covert context. For example, "The agency is responsible for "gathering intelligence" on potential threats."

What are some alternatives to "gathering intelligence"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "collecting information", "acquiring data", or "conducting surveillance" as alternatives to "gathering intelligence".

Is it always ethical to engage in "gathering intelligence"?

The ethics of "gathering intelligence" depend on the methods used and the purpose behind it. Covert methods may raise ethical concerns, especially if they violate privacy or legal boundaries.

What's the difference between "gathering intelligence" and "collecting data"?

"Gathering intelligence" typically implies a strategic or covert purpose, often related to security or competition. "Collecting data", on the other hand, is a more general term that refers to gathering information for analysis or record-keeping.