a big lever

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a big lever" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a lever that is large in size or capacity, often in a mechanical or metaphorical context. Example: "To lift the heavy load, we need to use a big lever to gain the necessary mechanical advantage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Then you pulled a big lever to record your choices.

The New York Times

As a marketplace company, manual or editorial license is a big lever to retain users.

TechCrunch

Koç suggested the new financing will go towards product development, telling the FT: "This gives us a big lever when it comes to rolling out new products and services".

TechCrunch

Snapchat's pitch: it is much more than just a place for 158 million, mostly American consumers between the ages of 18 and 34 to dip in and send each other short, disappearing picture messages every day; it's a big lever in how media is consumed these days.

TechCrunch

The other wing was screwed to the floor, turning the axe into a big lever.

Huffington Post

This is a big lever, because my guess is that none of the bills Republicans come up with will pass with only Republican votes.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

In the current study the arms were positioned further away from the center of gravity compared to the arm placement used in the study of Plamondon et al. [ 28], which resulted in a bigger lever arm and higher muscle recruitment [ 39].

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

"I have cast around to find that big lever to make a difference.

Independent

"I am convinced that is a big enough lever to influence the institution," he said, "and it needs it".

The New York Times

"Just pull the big lever," she said, by which she meant the Democratic lever that automatically cast votes for the party's entire ticket.

The New York Times - Magazine

But there was none of the solid clunk of pulling the big lever at the bottom of the booth to register my participation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider alternative phrasing to "a big lever" if the audience may not connect with the mechanical metaphor. Options like "significant influence" or "major factor" might resonate better depending on the subject matter.

Common error

Avoid using "a big lever" repeatedly within a single piece of writing. Overuse can diminish the impact of the metaphor and make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language with synonyms or more descriptive phrases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big lever" functions as a noun phrase with an adjective, typically serving as the subject or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI shows, it metaphorically describes something with significant influence or power.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a big lever" is a common expression used to describe something that exerts significant influence or control. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific articles. While "a big lever" serves as a useful metaphor, writers should be mindful of overuse and consider alternative phrasing to maintain clarity and impact. Overall, it's a versatile phrase that effectively conveys the power or importance of a particular factor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant influence

Focuses on the impact rather than the tool itself.

a powerful instrument

Emphasizes the strength and effectiveness of the mechanism.

a major factor

Highlights the importance of something contributing to a result.

a key component

Stresses the essential nature of the element within a system.

a decisive element

Indicates something that determines an outcome.

a strong motivator

Emphasizes the driving force behind an action.

an important enabler

Highlights the facilitating aspect of something.

a vital mechanism

Focuses on the operational aspect of a system.

a critical intervention

Highlights strategic actions for important change.

an essential resource

Stresses the necessity and value of the item.

FAQs

What does it mean to describe something as "a big lever"?

Describing something as "a big lever" typically means it's a powerful tool, influence, or factor that can significantly impact or change a situation. It implies the ability to exert considerable force or control.

How can I use "a big lever" in a sentence?

You can use "a big lever" to describe something that has a significant influence or impact. For example: "Education is "a big lever" for social change" or "Sanctions are "a big lever" in international relations".

What are some synonyms for "a big lever"?

Some synonyms for "a big lever" include "a significant influence", "a powerful instrument", or "a major factor". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a big lever" in formal writing?

Yes, "a big lever" is generally acceptable in formal writing, especially when used metaphorically. However, consider your audience and the specific context. In some cases, a more precise or technical term might be preferable.