misleading intelligence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "misleading intelligence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe information or data that is deceptive or not accurate, often in contexts related to analysis, reporting, or decision-making. Example: "The report was based on misleading intelligence, which led to poor strategic decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Misleading intelligence has also led to disastrous strikes with major political and economic consequences.

The New York Times

He trumpeted selective and misleading intelligence.

The New Yorker

No details about the misleading intelligence can be released for security reasons.

Independent

The C.I.A.'s role in providing misleading intelligence about the presence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq has also provoked calls for reform.

The New Yorker

Chalabi and his supporters have argued that critics like Zinni have inflated the exiles' role in offering misleading intelligence about W.M.D.s.

The New Yorker

The hunger for incontrovertible evidence, he believes, is a legacy of the way in which citizens were sold misleading intelligence before the Iraq War.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

The problem of an individual having multiple identities can easily mislead intelligence and law enforcement investigators [3].

Security Informatics

How parliament and the nation could be misled and intelligence chiefs could allow their reports to be exaggerated and misrepresented.

The Guardian - Opinion

Accusing MI6, the British intelligence service, of spying on Iran's nuclear program, Mr. Abbasi was quoted as saying, "We presented false information sometimes in order to protect our nuclear position and our achievements, as there is no other choice but to mislead foreign intelligence".

The New York Times

The court's decision - and the master of the rolls' conclusion that MI5 had misled the intelligence and security committee, and could not be trusted when it claimed to respect human rights - was hugely embarrassing for the agency, and the British government.

The Guardian

"This appears to encourage terrorists to participate, either to profit from their terrorist activities or to bet against them in order to mislead U.S. intelligence authorities," they said in a letter to Admiral Poindexter, the director of the Terrorism Information Awareness Office, which the opponents said had developed the idea.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "misleading intelligence", ensure you specify the source or the consequences of the inaccurate information to provide context and credibility.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the consequences of "misleading intelligence" without concrete evidence. Instead, focus on presenting the facts and allowing the audience to draw their own conclusions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "misleading intelligence" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "misleading" modifies the noun "intelligence". It describes the quality of the intelligence being inaccurate or deceptive, as validated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "misleading intelligence" is a commonly used phrase to describe inaccurate or deceptive information, especially in strategic or analytical contexts. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media, making it suitable for both formal and informal writing. When using the phrase, be sure to provide context and avoid exaggeration to maintain credibility. Consider alternatives like "false information" or "inaccurate data" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. The phrase has a neutral register but the term can be used in several situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

false information

Replaces 'intelligence' with the more general term 'information', emphasizing the inaccuracy.

inaccurate data

Focuses on the data being incorrect or flawed.

erroneous information

Uses a more formal term for 'incorrect', suitable for academic or professional contexts.

deceptive intelligence

Highlights the intent to deceive through the intelligence.

flawed intelligence

Emphasizes the presence of errors or weaknesses in the intelligence.

unreliable information

Indicates that the information cannot be trusted.

distorted intelligence

Suggests that the intelligence has been altered or misrepresented.

fabricated intelligence

Implies that the intelligence was invented or made up.

manipulated intelligence

Suggests intentional alteration of the intelligence to achieve a specific goal.

tainted information

Indicates that the information has been compromised or corrupted.

FAQs

How can I use "misleading intelligence" in a sentence?

You can use "misleading intelligence" to describe situations where inaccurate information leads to incorrect decisions or understandings. For example: "The decision was based on "misleading intelligence", resulting in a failed operation."

What are some alternatives to "misleading intelligence"?

Alternatives include "false information", "inaccurate data", or "erroneous information" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "misleading intelligence" and "false intelligence"?

"Misleading intelligence" suggests that the information may have some truth but is presented in a way that causes misunderstanding, while "false intelligence" implies that the information is entirely untrue.

Is it appropriate to use "misleading intelligence" in formal writing?

Yes, "misleading intelligence" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in contexts related to government, military, or business analysis. However, ensure that the tone remains objective and factual.