informer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "informer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person who provides information, often in a context where the information is confidential or sensitive. Example: "The police relied on an informer to gather crucial evidence about the criminal organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Briefings by federal officials cast doubt on the credibility of the information, apparently gleaned from an informer in Iraq.Judith Miller, a journalist jailed for refusing to talk about her sources, testified for a second time to a grand jury investigating the leaking of Valerie Plame's identity as a CIA agent.

The Economist

The "head hunters'" quarry included true-believers that the British state security apparatus (or at least some parts of it) were happy to be rid of such as IRA Derry Brigade activist Paddy Flood, whom most republicans in the city now admit was not an informer.

The Guardian

The agency is forbidden from providing material support to a terrorist entity, but it would be part of its job to try to recruit someone inside such an organisation as an informer or source.

The Guardian

He said police invited him to the station to discuss his suspicions, but during the meeting they tried to recruit him as a paid informer to spy on leftwing students.

The Guardian

They had not known that agents operating for the British military's Force Research Unit had smeared Flood as an informer and brought about his death.

The Guardian

Gerry Ad The IRA had accused her of being an informer for the British army, a charge her children have always rejected and something Northern Ireland police ombudsman Nuala O'Loan found there was no evidence for after an extensive investigation in 2006.

The Guardian

The relationship didn't last and he disappeared a while later, but it was some years before I heard he had been an informer.

The Guardian

The Sinn Féin leader has consistently denied any involvement in the abduction and murder of the widow whom the IRA accused of being an informer – a charge her family have always rejected.

The Guardian

Another, a 23-year-old single mother, has alleged that police threatened to prosecute her if she disclosed to anyone, including her mother, the attempt to recruit her as an informer.

The Guardian

One of the quartet, a 23-year-old single mother, said she stopped campaigning against racism after police threatened to prosecute her if she told anyone, including her mother, about the attempt to recruit her as an informer.

The Guardian

Asked repeatedly if he would pass information to the security forces, Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness blurted out: "I'm not an informer".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the term "informer", be aware of its negative connotations. Consider using a more neutral term like "informant" or "source" if the context doesn't require the implication of betrayal or wrongdoing.

Common error

Avoid using "informer" when a more neutral term like "source" or "informant" would be more appropriate. The term carries a strong negative connotation of betrayal, which may not always be accurate or desirable.

Linguistic Context

The word "informer" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a person who provides information, often secretly, to authorities or other parties. Ludwig examples show its use in news and encyclopedic contexts, highlighting its common usage in discussing legal and historical events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "informer" is a common noun used to describe someone who provides information, often secretly, to authorities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While alternatives like "informant" or "source" exist, "informer" carries a stronger negative connotation of betrayal. It's frequently found in news and encyclopedic contexts, relating to crime, espionage, and political situations. When using the term, consider its implications and choose a more neutral alternative if appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

informant

A more formal and neutral synonym for "informer".

rat

Strongly negative term for someone who betrays others by informing.

grass

British slang for an informer, often in a criminal context.

snitch

Informal term for someone who reports on others, often in a petty or disloyal way.

mole

Implies a long-term, deeply embedded secret agent providing information.

source

Neutral term for providing information, lacks the negative connotations of "informer".

whistleblower

Specifically refers to someone who exposes wrongdoing, often within an organization.

tipster

Someone who provides tips or leads, often in a criminal context.

collaborator

Someone who cooperates with an enemy or occupying force, often providing information.

double agent

Works for two opposing sides, providing information to both.

FAQs

What is the definition of "informer"?

An "informer" is someone who provides information, often secretly, about others, especially to the police. The term often carries negative connotations of betrayal or disloyalty.

What can I say instead of "informer"?

You can use alternatives like "informant", "source", "snitch", or "whistleblower" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the term "informer"?

Use "informer" when you want to emphasize the clandestine nature of the information being provided, and potentially the betrayal of trust involved. Consider the negative connotations of the word before using it.

What is the difference between "informer" and "informant"?

While both terms refer to someone who provides information, "informer" often carries a more negative connotation, suggesting betrayal or disloyalty. "Informant" is generally more neutral.