Less clout

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Less clout" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something has reduced influence or power compared to others. Example: "After the scandal, the politician had less clout in the party than before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And the sector holds less clout.

The Guardian - Opinion

Moreover, Mr Haider himself now wields far less clout.

The Economist

Mr. Warnock said Mr. Jobs would have proceeded more cautiously when the company had less clout.

The New York Times - Tech

Nevada wasn't the only state with potentially suitable geology, but it had less clout in Congress.

The New York Times

Indian women tend to have less clout than their African counterparts.

The Economist

As a result, ministers (frequently reshuffled) have less clout than presidential chief secretaries.

The Economist

He also said that the average Twitter account had less clout than many might think.

The New York Times - Tech

For better or worse, Mrs Bakoyiannis has less clout in Nicosia than her predecessors did.

The Economist

"Furthermore, France has much less clout in the E.U. than Germany.

The New York Times

Internationally, however, these institutions have far less clout than their Anglo-American counterparts.

The New York Times

The NHS provides health care to all at a much lower total cost, but patients have less clout.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less clout" to describe situations where an individual, group, or entity has experienced a reduction in their ability to influence decisions or outcomes. For example, "After the merger, the smaller company had "less clout" in the industry".

Common error

Avoid using "less clout" when referring to situations that involve physical strength or size. "Clout" refers to influence and power, not physical attributes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less clout" primarily functions as a descriptor indicating a reduction in influence or power. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used. Examples show its use in describing diminished political influence, reduced bargaining power, and decreased importance within an organization.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Academia

12%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less clout" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase that signifies a reduction in influence or power. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's suitable for various contexts, primarily appearing in news and media, and academia. When writing, it's essential to use "less clout" in scenarios where influence is diminished, avoiding its misuse in describing physical attributes. Consider alternatives such as "reduced influence" or "diminished power" for more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced influence

Focuses on the reduction of influence rather than direct power.

diminished power

Highlights the decrease in overall power or authority.

weakened authority

Emphasizes the compromised state of authority.

decreased leverage

Refers specifically to reduced ability to exert pressure or advantage.

limited sway

Indicates a restriction in the degree of influence one has.

reduced impact

Highlights the lessened effect on outcomes or decisions.

less weight

Suggests a lighter consideration given to someone's opinion or position.

fewer connections

Attributes the decline to a reduction in important relationships.

declining prestige

Focuses on the loss of respect and admiration affecting influence.

shrinking presence

Indicates a reduced visibility and therefore influence in a particular area.

FAQs

How can I use "less clout" in a sentence?

You can use "less clout" to describe a situation where someone or something has reduced influence or power. For example, "After the scandal, the politician had "less clout" in the party than before."

What's a good alternative to "less clout"?

Alternatives to "less clout" include "reduced influence", "diminished power", or "weakened authority", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "less clout" in formal writing?

Yes, "less clout" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing, though it may be more common in news articles and general media. More formal contexts might prefer "reduced influence" or "diminished power".

In what situations might someone have "less clout"?

Someone might have "less clout" after a loss of position, a scandal, a change in organizational structure, or due to increased competition. All these situations can diminish someone's power or influence.