Leverage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Leverage" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in a business or strategic context to refer to the act of using something to maximum advantage. Example: "We need to leverage our existing resources to improve efficiency and reduce costs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It said: [Evraz] is seeking approval...of the holders of the notes to remove a covenant requiring the company to maintain the net leverage ratio at or below a specified level.

The Guardian - Business

If the money can be raised, then the eurogroup's leverage will evaporate.

The Guardian

His biggest strategic miscalculation was not to use the leverage he had over George Bush as the only substantial western ally to join the 2003 invasion – the "coalition of the willing" – to extract a better plan for the occupation of Saddam Hussein's ill-governed state once the fighting was over (even sooner than expected).

The Guardian

But its lack of leverage in Congress has long been Obama's achilles heel, and lawmakers from both parties now argue they should have a say in the alleviation of sanctions that were imposed by the legislature in the first place.

The Guardian

Speaking after the address, Sturgeon denied the prospect of another referendum was a threat that would be used as leverage any time there was a disagreement with UK government policy.

The Guardian

We maintain that ITV has a rare mix of operating leverage, asset backing and significant financial headroom, with a world-class management team.

The Guardian - Business

Police also had leverage over Griggs: he was a heroin addict.

The Guardian

Since coming to power in January, the Greek government, led by the prime minister, Alexis Tsipras's Syriza party, has believed that the threat of default – and thus of a financial crisis that might break up the euro –provides negotiating leverage to offset Greece's lack of economic and political power.

The Guardian - Business

"While we have and will continue to leverage the information received by the department, we are not relying solely on their findings but rather the facts that we have gathered and verified," she said.

The Guardian

Supporters revived it using the leverage of imminent expiration of a broader surveillance authority.

The Guardian

Increased supplies of oil from non-Middle East countries, such as Angola, coupled with the advent of alternative green-energy systems, improved conservation, and heightened awareness about the need to curb carbon emissions, are also reducing Saudi leverage.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing strategic advantages, consider using "leverage" to emphasize maximizing the impact of available resources. For example, "They aim to leverage their market position to introduce new products."

Common error

Avoid using "leverage" excessively as a verb in contexts where simpler verbs like "use" or "utilize" would suffice. Overuse can make your writing sound unnecessarily jargonistic.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "leverage" is as both a noun, denoting an advantage or influence, and a verb, meaning to use something to maximum advantage. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a commonly used term in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

35%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "leverage" functions both as a noun and a verb, commonly used to convey the strategic advantage or the action of maximizing resources. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. While seen across diverse sources, it appears predominantly in news and business contexts, suggesting a neutral to professional register. To avoid overuse, consider alternatives like "utilize" or "capitalize on" for clearer and more effective writing. Its presence in authoritative sources like The Guardian, The Economist, and The New York Times solidifies its validity and relevance in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Utilize

Focuses on the practical application of resources or strategies.

Capitalize on

Emphasizes exploiting opportunities for gain or advantage.

Take advantage of

Highlights benefiting from a situation or resource, potentially with a subtle negative connotation.

Harness

Suggests controlling and directing power or resources effectively.

Exploit

Implies using something fully, sometimes with a negative connotation of unfairness.

Employ

Refers to making use of something in a deliberate manner.

Maximize

Focuses on increasing the effectiveness or yield of something.

Draw on

Implies using accumulated knowledge, experience, or resources.

Build on

Suggests developing or expanding something from an existing base.

Exercise

Focuses on using power or influence.

FAQs

How can I use "leverage" in a sentence?

"Leverage" can be used as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to influence or advantage. As a verb, it means to use something to maximum advantage. For example, "They plan to leverage their existing resources." or "The company's market share gives them significant leverage in negotiations."

What are some alternatives to using the word "leverage"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "utilize", "capitalize on", or "take advantage of".

Is it always appropriate to use "leverage" in formal writing?

While "leverage" is commonly used in formal and business contexts, be mindful of overuse. In some cases, simpler terms may be clearer and more effective. Consider the specific audience and purpose of your writing.

What is the difference between "leverage" and "influence"?

"Influence" refers to the power to affect someone or something. "Leverage", on the other hand, is the action of using something to maximize an advantage or outcome. You might "exert influence", but you "leverage resources".