recce

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "recce" is correct and usable in written English, particularly in informal contexts.
It is typically used to refer to a reconnaissance mission or survey, often in military or planning contexts. Example: "Before we start the project, we need to do a recce of the site to assess the conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Before filming, we make a recce to the Dulais Valley in Wales and the formidable village and welfare hall that LGSM turned up at 30 years ago.

The Guardian - Film

"Every time I hear that they are about to go on that Somme recce again, my heart slightly sinks," says Loader.

Independent

Ask them about some obscure attraction in the area and they won't just have heard of it, they'll have been there to recce it in person.

Independent

When we went there on a recce one weekend, we laughed at how slowly everyone drove and spluttered at how much a simple sandwich cost.

Independent

Do a recce before you start "I'd advise against doing what I did," warns Dane.

Independent

"So how are you going to follow this bloke tomorrow, do you reckon, now that we've done our recce of his car and house?" I asked.

Independent

"There's a part of your brain that has this role of muscle or motor memory," Recce, a medium-sized bear of a man, with thinning fair hair and barely discernible eyes behind wire-frame glasses, said.

The New Yorker

The recce was a disaster.

Independent

One guy was arrested, and he said that he did a recce at Dilsukh Nagar in 2011.

The New York Times

"About a month before Ramzan in 2012, Maqbool helped Imran in doing a recce of Dilkhush Nagar, Begum Bazar and Abids in Hyderabad on a motorcycle," the release said.

The New York Times

Got my accountant to do a bit of a recce.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "recce", consider your audience. In formal contexts, "reconnaissance" might be more appropriate. In informal settings, "recce" is acceptable and adds a touch of brevity.

Common error

Avoid using "recce" in highly formal or academic writing. While acceptable in journalistic and informal contexts, it may not be suitable for research papers or official reports.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "recce" is as a noun or verb, denoting reconnaissance or the act of reconnoitering. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, and examples show its use in various contexts like film production and security operations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Travel

10%

Film

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "recce" is a versatile term, functioning as both a noun and a verb, primarily used to denote a reconnaissance or preliminary exploration. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature, particularly in informal contexts, while the more formal "reconnaissance" is preferred in academic or official settings. The phrase is very common in news, travel, and film contexts. When writing, be mindful of your audience and the formality of the situation to choose the most appropriate term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reconnaissance mission

More formal and explicit about the military or strategic nature of the activity.

reconnaissance operation

Specifically emphasizes a planned and organized military or strategic activity.

preliminary survey

Emphasizes the exploratory and fact-finding aspect of the activity.

exploratory investigation

Highlights the investigative and analytical nature of the activity.

scouting expedition

Implies a more adventurous and wide-ranging exploration.

fact-finding trip

Focuses on gathering information and assessing the situation.

advance assessment

Suggests a proactive evaluation of a situation or location.

initial exploration

Highlights the beginning phase of examining an area or situation.

spot check

Focuses on brief inspection.

look-see

Informal and casual way of describing a quick exploration.

FAQs

How to use "recce" in a sentence?

"Recce" can be used as a noun or a verb. As a noun, it refers to a reconnaissance mission. Example: "The team conducted a "recce" of the area." As a verb, it means to reconnoiter. Example: "We need to "recce" the location before the event."

What can I say instead of "recce"?

Alternatives to "recce" include "reconnaissance mission", "preliminary survey", or "scouting expedition" depending on the context. The choice depends on the level of formality and the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Which is correct, "recce" or "reconnaissance"?

Both "recce" and "reconnaissance" are correct, but they differ in formality. "Recce" is an informal abbreviation of "reconnaissance", which is more formal and suitable for official contexts.

What's the difference between "recce" and "scout"?

"Recce" typically refers to a more formal or strategic reconnaissance, often in military or planning contexts. "Scout" ("scout") can refer to a broader range of exploratory activities, not necessarily strategic or military.