in clandestine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in clandestine" is not correct as it is typically used in the form "clandestinely" or "in a clandestine manner." You can use it when describing actions that are secretive or hidden from public view.
Example: "The meeting was held clandestinely to avoid drawing attention from the authorities."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Maroni swiftly produced aggressive and controversial legislation intended to rein in clandestine immigration, widely seen as a source of blue-collar crime.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These meetings happen in clandestine circumstances.

The New York Times

Suspicion is normal in clandestine organisations.

The Economist

"Guerrero is a state covered in clandestine graves.

Independent

She is believed still to be engaged in clandestine activity.

Independent

Results of fights are published in clandestine magazines.

The Guardian

But experts suspect its presence in clandestine stockpiles.

The New York Times

Methamphetamine is an addictive stimulant made in clandestine laboratories nationwide.

The New York Times - Science

Zawahiri, a student there, was then seventeen, but he was already involved in clandestine Islamist activity.

The New Yorker

The dead are buried in clandestine grave sites, dumped into the ocean, or burned.

Independent

The U.S. has also taken part in clandestine operations aimed at Iran and its ally Syria.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "in clandestine" is occasionally seen, prefer using the adverb "clandestinely" or the phrase "in a clandestine manner" for better grammatical correctness and clarity. For instance, instead of "meetings happen in clandestine circumstances", use "meetings happen clandestinely".

Common error

Avoid using "in clandestine" as a direct substitute for "clandestinely". Using the preposition "in" requires a noun phrase (e.g., "in a clandestine manner"). Using the adverb directly modifies the verb (e.g., "they operated clandestinely").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in clandestine" functions as a prepositional phrase, attempting to modify a noun or verb by indicating the manner in which something is done. However, as Ludwig points out, this usage is often grammatically awkward, and better alternatives exist.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "in clandestine" aims to describe actions done secretly, its grammatical correctness is questionable. Ludwig indicates it's better to opt for alternatives like "clandestinely" or "in a clandestine manner" for improved clarity and adherence to standard English. While the phrase does appear across diverse contexts, it's relatively rare and might sound awkward to native speakers. Therefore, it's advisable to choose more conventional alternatives to effectively convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clandestinely

Changes the phrase to an adverb, directly modifying the verb and offering a more grammatically standard option.

in a clandestine manner

Adds grammatical correctness, but it is a bit more verbose and formal.

secretly

Provides a more common and straightforward alternative focusing on the hidden nature of the action.

in secret

A more direct and common way to express the idea of actions done hidden from others.

covertly

Implies actions taken discreetly and often within a context of intelligence or military operations.

undercover

Indicates actions performed while concealing one's true identity or purpose.

surreptitiously

Suggests a stealthy, sneaky approach to avoid detection.

on the sly

Offers a more informal way of saying secretly, often implying a sense of mischief.

behind closed doors

Focuses on the privacy and exclusion of others from the actions or discussions.

in private

Emphasizes that the actions are not meant for public knowledge or observation.

FAQs

How can I use the word "clandestine" correctly in a sentence?

Use the adverb form "clandestinely" or the phrase "in a clandestine manner" to ensure grammatical correctness. For example, "The operation was conducted clandestinely" or "The meeting was held in a clandestine manner".

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "in clandestine"?

Consider using alternatives such as "secretly", "covertly", or "surreptitiously" depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is "in clandestine" grammatically correct?

While the phrase "in clandestine" might appear in some contexts, it's not considered standard English. It's better to use "clandestinely" or "in a clandestine manner" for grammatical correctness.

What is the difference between "in clandestine" and "clandestinely"?

"In clandestine" uses a preposition followed by an adjective, which is less common and grammatically awkward. "Clandestinely" is an adverb that directly modifies a verb, indicating the action was performed secretly.