hidden agendas

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hidden agendas" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to undisclosed motives or intentions behind someone's actions or statements. For example, "The negotiations were complicated by the hidden agendas of several parties involved." Alternative expressions include "ulterior motives" and "concealed intentions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"This unrest and riots in some of their aspects have hidden agendas," Mr. Jaafari told reporters.

The New York Times

Union leaders see hidden agendas behind the rising calls for lower pension assumptions.

The New York Times

But Amazon has lost some trust among readers recently amid concerns that its reviews and recommendations can contain hidden agendas.

The New York Times - Books

Are there hidden agendas?

European Journal of Futures Research

There's nothing wrong with having hidden agendas.

TechCrunch

Some people have hidden agendas which I don't understand.

BBC

"Double exposure" can be used insidiously to achieve hidden agendas by obscuring the full picture of multiple exposure.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

An alliance without reservations or hidden agendas.

Huffington Post

He wonders now whether people he meets may have hidden agendas.

Vice

Where are the conflicts of interest or hidden agendas within the religious group?

Huffington Post

So many folks responded to our pleas with kindness and concern, people with no caveats or hidden agendas.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be cautious about assuming "hidden agendas" without concrete evidence. Base your assessments on observed behavior and verifiable information to avoid misinterpretations.

Common error

While "hidden agendas" is a valid phrase, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations. Opt for simpler terms like "ulterior motives" or "secret intentions" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hidden agendas" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig provides examples where it describes the underlying, often unstated, motivations behind actions or decisions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hidden agendas" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe undisclosed motives or intentions, often implying skepticism. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage, providing numerous real-world examples. While suitable for professional and news contexts, overuse in casual conversations should be avoided. Alternatives like "ulterior motives" or "secret intentions" can be used for a lighter tone. Be mindful of the underlying context when using this phrase to maintain clarity and avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Ulterior motives

Focuses on the motivation being secondary and perhaps less noble.

Concealed motives

Focuses on the motives being deliberately hidden.

Secret intentions

Emphasizes the secrecy surrounding the intentions.

Undisclosed intentions

Highlights the lack of disclosure regarding the intentions.

Covert objectives

Highlights the clandestine nature of the objectives.

Underlying schemes

Suggests a more elaborate and potentially manipulative plan.

Secret designs

Suggests carefully crafted secret plans.

Unspoken aims

Focuses on the aims not being explicitly communicated.

Unacknowledged purposes

Highlights that the purposes are not openly admitted.

Unrevealed plans

Emphasizes that the plans remain concealed.

FAQs

How can I use "hidden agendas" in a sentence?

You can use "hidden agendas" to describe undisclosed motives behind actions. For example: "The negotiations failed due to the "hidden agendas" of some participants."

What's a good alternative to "hidden agendas"?

Alternatives include "ulterior motives", "secret intentions", or "covert objectives", depending on the specific context.

Is it always negative to have "hidden agendas"?

While often associated with negative connotations like manipulation, the term "hidden agendas" simply means undisclosed motives. Whether those motives are good or bad depends on the specific situation.

What's the difference between "hidden agendas" and "ulterior motives"?

"Hidden agendas" refers to undisclosed plans or objectives, while "ulterior motives" specifically highlights the reasons or motivations behind those undisclosed plans, often implying they are less honorable.