What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
plainclothes
Example
The detective arrived in plainclothes to avoid being recognized. [plainclothes: adjective]
Example
The plainclothes officer blended in with the crowd to catch the pickpocket. [plainclothes: noun]
undercover
Example
The undercover agent infiltrated the drug cartel to gather evidence. [undercover: adjective]
Example
She went undercover as a journalist to expose corruption in the government. [undercover: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Plainclothes is more commonly used in everyday language than undercover, as it is a more straightforward term that is easy to understand. Undercover is more commonly used in the context of police work or investigations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between plainclothes and undercover?
Both plainclothes and undercover are informal terms that are commonly used in everyday language. However, undercover may be considered slightly more formal due to its association with police work and investigations.
