obtain intelligence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obtain intelligence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to gathering information, whether in a military, business, or research setting. Example: "The agency was tasked to obtain intelligence on the enemy's movements to ensure national security."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

We are currently debriefing her to obtain intelligence about [Isis] operations.

The Guardian

The government held Mr. Ghailani to try to obtain intelligence about Al Qaeda.

The New York Times

Many were recruited by the CIA and the FBI to obtain intelligence about the Soviets.

The Washington Post

4.33pm GMT Labour's Kevin Brennan asks if the Algerians will be able to obtain intelligence from the terrorists taken prisoner.

The Guardian

"As more high-ranking terrorists are captured, the need to obtain intelligence from them will remain critical," Mr. Bush said.

The New York Times

Many methods are used to obtain intelligence and that intelligence is vital to keeping our communities safe.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

The officials said they had obtained intelligence indicating that senior Iraqi leaders were traveling in the convoy.

The New York Times

"The CIA obtained intelligence from high-value detainees when inside information on al-Qaida was in short supply.

The Guardian

There are excellent digital and human methods of obtaining intelligence that narrowly target real terrorists, not the other 23m Australians.

The Guardian - Opinion

The officials said the recently obtained intelligence had re-intensified the search for Mr. Hussein along with his sons, Uday and Qusay.

The New York Times

One interim panel report described the F.B.I. as a bureaucracy suffocated by outmoded rules and legal barriers that barred criminal investigators from obtaining intelligence data.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about intelligence gathering, be specific about the source and reliability of the intelligence to maintain credibility.

Common error

Do not use the phrase "obtain intelligence" without specifying the type of intelligence, the source, and the purpose. Being vague can undermine the impact and trustworthiness of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obtain intelligence" functions as a verb phrase where "obtain" is the verb and "intelligence" is the direct object. It describes the action of acquiring information, typically of a sensitive or strategic nature. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obtain intelligence" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of acquiring information, especially of a sensitive or strategic nature. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it's most frequently used in news and media contexts, with a neutral to professional register. While alternatives like "gather information" or "acquire data" exist, "obtain intelligence" specifically implies a targeted effort to gain crucial insights. A key writing tip is to always specify the type, source, and purpose of the intelligence to enhance clarity and credibility. The phrase has a high expert rating due to its grammatical correctness, source authority, and consistent usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gather information

This alternative is a broader term, encompassing any type of information, not specifically intelligence.

collect information

Similar to 'gather information', but can imply a more systematic or organized approach.

acquire data

This alternative suggests a more technical or scientific context, focusing on acquiring structured data.

secure data

Implies protecting the data during the acquisition phase.

glean insights

This alternative emphasizes the process of extracting meaningful understandings from information.

procure information

This alternative suggests a more formal or official process of acquiring information.

extract information

Suggests carefully removing specific pieces of information from a larger source.

ascertain facts

This alternative emphasizes the verification and confirmation of factual information.

uncover knowledge

Focuses on revealing previously hidden or unknown information.

develop knowledge

This alternative focuses on building or expanding knowledge through learning and investigation.

FAQs

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

You can use "obtain intelligence" to describe the process of gathering information, especially in contexts related to national security, business strategy, or research. For example, "The agency's mission is to "obtain intelligence" on potential threats".

What are some alternatives to "obtain intelligence"?

Alternatives include "gather information", "acquire data", or "collect information", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "obtain intelligence" or "gather intelligence"?

"Obtain intelligence" and "gather intelligence" are often interchangeable, but "obtain intelligence" might imply a more strategic or targeted effort to acquire specific information, whereas "gather intelligence" can refer to a broader collection of data.

What is the difference between "obtaining intelligence" and "collecting data"?

"Obtaining intelligence" usually refers to gathering strategic or secret information, often in a security or competitive context. "Collecting data", on the other hand, is a more general term for gathering any kind of information, often in a research or statistical context.