reconnoitre

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reconnoitre" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in a military or strategic context to refer to the act of surveying or exploring an area to gather information about it. Example: "Before launching the operation, the team was sent to reconnoitre the enemy's position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

The Sunni caliph Mansur, whose new empire stretched from India to the Atlantic, sailed up and down the Tigris to reconnoitre a place for his home.

The Economist

There are opportunities for customers to handle and compare merchandise, to reconnoitre the goods before making the final commitment, and also to seek support thereafter too.

The Economist

Each time they come to a government-held town, they reconnoitre, surround it--but are careful to leave one exit--and announce their presence.

The Economist

In 1935 an expedition led by Shipton was sent to reconnoitre the mountain, explore the western approaches, and discover more about monsoon conditions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The raiders' modus operandi was – and remains – quite simple: a plain old smash-and-grab following an intense reconnoitre.

Independent

Mr Hogan and Mr Fogarty, who it later emerged was a member of the Official IRA, hatched their scheme while walking home together one evening and then travelled to London, staying at the Irish Club in Belgravia to allow them to reconnoitre the gallery - with the aid of a forged letter of introduction from the Dublin College of Art - and select the Morisot as their target.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

"Berlin is a crazy mixture of creativity and cutting-edge tech," says Eric Wahlforss, one of the founders of SoundCloud, who in 2007 went on a reconnoitring tour before deciding to base the firm in the German capital ("London was very expensive, Vienna was too boring, in Barcelona not much was going on, San Francisco didn't have the right vibe").

The Economist

Of her own marriage, alternately cosy and full of tension, she concludes after three decades: "We've begun to imagine ourselves as colonists reconnoitring the landscape of a blighted planet…Our module is self-contained and highly manoeuvrable.

The Economist

Soviet military advisers accompanied most of the divisions, and Soviet pilots reconnoitred the enemy positions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By his own account, in November Lawrence was captured at Darʿā by the Turks while reconnoitring the area in Arab dress and was apparently recognized and homosexually brutalized before he was able to escape.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Norwegian men on skis reconnoitred before the Battle of Oslo (1200).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reconnoitre", consider the audience and ensure they understand its formal, often military, connotation. In less formal contexts, alternatives like "scout" or "explore" may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "reconnoitre" in casual conversation or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound out of place in less serious contexts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "reconnoitre" is as a verb, indicating the action of surveying or exploring an area. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's often used in military or strategic contexts to describe the act of gathering information.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Social Media

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reconnoitre" is a verb that denotes the act of surveying or exploring an area, typically for strategic or military purposes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and most commonly found in news, media, and encyclopedic contexts. While "reconnoitre" is a valid term, it carries a formal tone, making alternatives like "scout" or "explore" more appropriate in less formal settings. When writing, be mindful of your audience and the context to ensure the chosen term aligns with the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scout out

Emphasizes a quick and informal exploration, often focusing on identifying key features or dangers.

survey

Focuses on a detailed examination or mapping of an area, often for planning or assessment purposes.

explore

Suggests a broader investigation of an area, often with the goal of discovery or understanding.

investigate

Implies a systematic inquiry into an area or situation, often to uncover hidden facts or problems.

examine

Focuses on a careful and detailed inspection of an area or object.

case

Implies scouting or planning for a criminal act.

check out

Suggests a brief and informal examination of an area or situation.

observe

Emphasizes the act of watching an area or situation closely, often to gather information.

assess

Focuses on evaluating the characteristics of an area or situation, often to make decisions or plans.

look over

Suggests a quick and casual examination of an area or document.

FAQs

How to use "reconnoitre" in a sentence?

"Reconnoitre" is typically used to describe the act of surveying or exploring an area, especially for military purposes. For example: "The troops were sent to "reconnoitre" the enemy's position."

What can I say instead of "reconnoitre"?

You can use alternatives like "scout", "survey", or "explore" depending on the context.

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

"Reconnoitre" is a verb meaning to survey or explore, while "reconnaissance" is a noun referring to the act of surveying or exploring. For example, you might "reconnoitre" an area to gather information for a "reconnaissance" mission.

What's the difference between "reconnoitre" and "explore"?

"Reconnoitre" often implies a more strategic or military purpose, focusing on gathering specific information about an area. "Explore" suggests a broader investigation, often with the goal of discovery or general understanding.