undercover operation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'undercover operation' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when discussing a secret mission performed by a government or law enforcement agency to investigate or obtain information about lawbreakers or illegal activity. For example: "The police department launched an undercover operation targeting drug dealers in the city last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Mr. Coleman's alleged undercover operation was ridiculous.

The New York Times

During an undercover operation, Charlie was exposed.

The New York Times

Some parts of the undercover operation didn't go smoothly.

The New York Times

She was caught supplying heroin in an undercover operation.

The Guardian

"It was a kind of undercover operation," he said.

The New York Times

He approved and led the undercover operation against Stagg.

The Guardian

"The undercover operation could have gone on further," the special agent, John Chiue, testified.

The New York Times

The department began the investigation six months ago as an undercover operation.

The New York Times

The man was not involved in the earlier undercover operation, the police said.

The New York Times

Ms. Giuliano's undercover operation was the latest twist in a long legal battle.

The New York Times

"How are we going to do an undercover operation?" Sheriff McCullum asked.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about law enforcement or intelligence activities, ensure the context clearly indicates the purpose and scope of the "undercover operation" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "undercover operation" to describe actions that are openly conducted or publicly acknowledged. The term implies secrecy and concealment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undercover operation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI shows it's used to describe a specific type of secret activity, typically by law enforcement or intelligence agencies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "undercover operation" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a secret investigation or mission, typically conducted by law enforcement or intelligence agencies. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted. It appears most frequently in news and media sources, reflecting its relevance to current events and investigative reporting. While alternatives such as "covert mission" or "secret investigation" exist, "undercover operation" maintains a specific connotation of concealed identity and purpose. When using the term, ensure that the context aligns with the inherent secrecy and intent of the operation being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

secret operation

A more general term emphasizing the secrecy of the operation.

covert mission

Replaces "operation" with "mission", implying a specific assignment.

secret surveillance

A more general term emphasizing the secrecy of the surveillance.

secret investigation

Substitutes "undercover operation" with a broader term emphasizing secrecy and investigation.

hidden investigation

Emphasizes the concealed nature of the investigation.

clandestine activity

Uses more formal language, suggesting hidden and illicit actions.

covert surveillance

Specifies the method of secretly monitoring activities.

unacknowledged mission

Focuses on the lack of official recognition for the mission.

intelligence gathering

Highlights the purpose of collecting information secretly.

private inquiry

Indicates a discreet and unofficial investigation.

FAQs

How to use "undercover operation" in a sentence?

You can use "undercover operation" to describe a secret investigation, like in: "The FBI launched an "undercover operation" to catch the criminals."

What can I say instead of "undercover operation"?

You can use alternatives like "covert mission", "secret investigation", or "clandestine activity" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "undercover operation" or "covert operation"?

Both "undercover operation" and "covert operation" are correct and can be used interchangeably. However, "undercover operation" often implies a greater degree of secrecy and deception.

What's the difference between "undercover operation" and "secret mission"?

While both imply secrecy, "secret mission" may refer to a broader range of activities, whereas "undercover operation" specifically suggests an investigation where individuals conceal their true identity or purpose.