in reconnaissance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in reconnaissance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of exploring or surveying an area, often for military or strategic purposes. Example: "The team was deployed in reconnaissance to gather intelligence on enemy positions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

You could argue that he was engaged in reconnaissance.

The Guardian - Opinion

Initial satellite launches were scientific in character, but U.S. government interest in reconnaissance satellites persisted.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Seals, who specialize in reconnaissance, small-unit direct-attack missions and counterterrorism, entered the hospital and rescued Private Lynch.

The New York Times

Two or three whippers-in assist in reconnaissance and in keeping the hounds together as a pack.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His father was stationed there as the commander of a Korean battalion in the Soviet Army 88th Brigade, which engaged in reconnaissance missions against Japanese troops.

The New York Times - Magazine

The British defense minister, Desmond Browne, later confirmed to Parliament that an additional 230 troops, including engineers, trainers and other specialists in reconnaissance, would be sent to Afghanistan.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Beijing said the maneuver was a legitimate response to "large-scale and highly frequent close-in reconnaissance" by American aircraft.

Los Angeles Times

"We've really begun now the in-depth reconnaissance of so-called near-Earth objects," he said.

The New York Times - Science

Morales was later vindicated in part when leaked documents showed the DEA had played a role in covert reconnaissance in some countries. .

Vice

While holding this position, Baden-Powell was instrumental in reforming reconnaissance training in British cavalry, giving the force an important advantage in scouting ability over continental rivals.

Wikipedia

* No. 41 Squadron formed at RAF Coltishall in 1976 in the reconnaissance role.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in reconnaissance" when describing activities aimed at gathering information about an area, especially in military or scientific contexts. For example, "The troops were sent in reconnaissance to determine the enemy's position".

Common error

While "in reconnaissance" is grammatically correct, it may sound overly formal or technical in everyday conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "scouting" or "exploring" when the context is not military or scientific.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in reconnaissance" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun to indicate the purpose or state of an action. It signifies that an activity is being carried out for the purpose of exploring or gathering information, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

29%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in reconnaissance" is a prepositional phrase signifying activities aimed at gathering information, particularly in military or scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While versatile, it's more suitable for formal or technical scenarios, with alternatives like "scouting" or "exploring" better suited for casual conversation. Its prevalence in news, science, and encyclopedic sources underscores its role in describing strategic information gathering.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

performing reconnaissance

A more formal alternative using the verb form of "reconnaissance".

on a scouting mission

Focuses on the exploratory aspect, emphasizing the act of scouting or searching.

gathering intelligence

Highlights the information-gathering aspect of reconnaissance.

conducting surveillance

Highlights the aspect of monitoring and observing, often covertly.

undergoing a fact-finding mission

Emphasizes the objective of discovering and verifying facts.

carrying out a survey

Emphasizes a systematic investigation or examination of an area.

assessing the situation

Focuses on evaluating and understanding the current conditions.

exploring the terrain

Focuses on the physical act of exploring an area, especially in a military context.

scoping out the area

An informal way of saying reconnaissance, implying a casual assessment.

on a patrol

Implies a regular or systematic movement for observation or security.

FAQs

How can I use "in reconnaissance" in a sentence?

You can use "in reconnaissance" to describe an activity focused on gathering information, especially in military or scientific contexts. For example, "The drone was used "performing reconnaissance" over the affected area".

What's the difference between "in reconnaissance" and "on a reconnaissance mission"?

Both phrases are similar, but "on a reconnaissance mission" often implies a specific, planned undertaking, while "in reconnaissance" can describe a more general state of information gathering. They are largely interchangeable, though, depending on context.

What are some alternatives to "in reconnaissance"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "scouting", "surveying", or "exploring". The best choice will depend on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "in reconnaissance" formal or informal?

"In reconnaissance" is generally considered a formal phrase, often used in military, scientific, or technical contexts. For more casual situations, simpler terms like "scouting out" or "checking out" might be more appropriate.