undercover

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "undercover" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is working secretly, often in a law enforcement or investigative context. Example: "The detective went undercover to gather evidence on the criminal organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In a 500-page report, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) called for urgent improvements in the accountability of undercover firearms operations after finding that a lack of audio or video material "made it difficult, and on occasions impossible, to know with absolute certainty what happened".

The Guardian

Novak told the undercover employees that he took classified materials from Fort Bragg and would share the materials with them, the document said.

The Guardian

In Athens, news of the undercover tax agents was quick to spark ridicule and widespread disbelief.

The Guardian

In a lengthy rebuttal, Dannatt said he had made it clear to the undercover reporters that "I would need to meet the manufacturer and verify for myself whether the product was viable.

The Guardian

The commander in chief of the Royal Navy fleet until March this year, Soar told the undercover reporters he knew "all the ministers" at the MoD.

The Guardian

Just before Christmas the German government refused to answer a series of parliamentary questions Hunko had tabled about Germany's co-operation with undercover police officers from other countries, and Kennedy in particular.

The Guardian

The group of women claim the undercover officers' actions breached their human rights as protected by the European Convention on Human Rights, including Article 3, which prohibits inhumane and degrading treatment, and Article 8, which protects private and family life.

The Guardian

"Talkin' The Hardest" is a self-marketed undercover hit.

The Guardian - Music

Otter and his team put forward 49 recommendations to improve the "policies, systems, training and leadership of undercover operations which if implemented should address the unacceptable inconsistencies and shortcomings that we have found".

The Guardian

"The thinktank route is a very good one," said ex-minister Patricia Hewitt to undercover reporters seeking lobbying advice.

The Guardian

The HMIC report into the current control of undercover officers was commissioned by the home secretary, Theresa May, following revelations in the Guardian that undercover officers had spied on the family of murdered teenager, Stephen Lawrence.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "undercover" to describe operations or individuals involved in espionage or secret investigations. This adds specificity and professionalism to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "undercover" when "private" or "confidential" would be more appropriate. "Undercover" specifically implies an element of disguise or secrecy for investigation, not just general privacy.

Linguistic Context

The term "undercover" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate secrecy or concealment, especially in investigative contexts. As Ludwig points out, it's used to describe activities or individuals operating secretly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "undercover" is a versatile adjective primarily used in neutral contexts like news and media. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes activities or individuals operating secretly, often for investigative purposes. The phrase is generally used to communicate secrecy, concealment, and investigation. For alternatives, you might consider "clandestine", "secret", or "covert" depending on the specific context. Understanding its precise meaning helps in avoiding common errors like using it when "private" or "confidential" would be more appropriate. The consistency and clarity of the examples indicate it is a well-established and understood term in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

secret

General term for something kept from knowledge or view.

covert

Suggests activities that are not openly acknowledged or displayed.

clandestine

Indicates secrecy and often illegality, implying careful concealment.

hidden operation

Highlights the concealed nature of a planned activity.

secret agent

Emphasizes the role of an individual working in secrecy.

under wraps

Suggests that something is being kept secret until a later time.

in disguise

Implies altering appearance to conceal identity.

unrevealed

Implies that information or an identity is yet to be disclosed.

plain clothes

Refers specifically to law enforcement officers not wearing uniforms.

unpublicized

Focuses on the lack of public knowledge about something.

FAQs

How is "undercover" typically used in a sentence?

The term "undercover" is usually used as an adjective to describe a person or operation conducted secretly, often for law enforcement or investigative purposes. For example, "undercover police" or "undercover investigation".

What's the difference between "undercover" and "covert"?

"Undercover" typically refers to a person or operation disguised to infiltrate a group, while "covert" generally means secret or hidden. An undercover operation is usually also a covert one, but not all covert operations involve someone being in disguise.

What are some alternatives to using "undercover"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "clandestine", "secret", or "covert". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the term "undercover"?

It's appropriate to use "undercover" when describing situations where someone is intentionally concealing their true identity or purpose, particularly to gather information or infiltrate a group. This is common in contexts involving police work, espionage, or investigative journalism.