a calculated maneuver

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a calculated maneuver" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a deliberate and strategic action taken to achieve a specific outcome. Example: "The team's decision to change their marketing strategy was a calculated maneuver to gain a competitive edge in the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The president of Tesla Laboratories, George Stejic, echoed the doubts and said that the Israelis might have been tempted to exaggerate the degree of antimissile success as a calculated maneuver.

The New York Times

In a terse decision last week, the state court denied a request on behalf of Mr. Hanna and Mr. Hudson to rule on the issue, a calculated maneuver the couple hoped would have allowed them to sidestep the lower courts and force a quicker resolution of the matter.

The New York Times

They believed that the ban was a calculated maneuver to keep people in poverty and dependent on government.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

While some of his supporters denied that Mr. Berlusconi would say such things, some political experts wondered whether he was instead making a calculated political maneuver to rally support for important provincial elections in Milan.

The New York Times

It's hard to forget that Obama failed to support marriage equality during his 2008 campaign (what some say was a calculated political maneuver).

Vice

Historian Robert Zemsky wrote of Belcher, "[He] was almost a caricature of a New England Yankee: arrogant, vindictive, often impetuous despite a most solemn belief in rational action and calculated maneuver".

Wikipedia

The victorious commander achieves his objective through calculated maneuvers to gain the advantage and counter tactics to neutralize his enemy's advantages.

Harvard Business Review

FPGA is one of the fastest embedded systems that can be used for implementing the fast image processing image algorithms by using DSP slice module inside the FPGA we aimed to get the advantage of the DSP slice as a faster, accurate, higher number of bits in calculations and different calculated equation maneuver capabilities.

Physics Procedia

It is a calculated gamble.

The Economist

Was that a calculated delay?

The New Yorker

"You're taking a calculated risk".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a calculated maneuver" when you want to emphasize that an action was not spontaneous but carefully planned to achieve a specific advantage or outcome.

Common error

While "a calculated maneuver" is perfectly acceptable, avoid using it too frequently in informal writing or conversation. The phrase can sound overly formal or strategic in everyday contexts; consider simpler alternatives like "plan" or "strategy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a calculated maneuver" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it describes a carefully planned and executed action intended to achieve a specific objective. Examples in Ludwig show its use in describing political strategies and military actions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

22%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a calculated maneuver" is a noun phrase used to describe a deliberate and strategic action, typically planned to achieve a specific advantage. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and well-suited for formal, professional, and news-related contexts. While "uncommon" in frequency, it effectively communicates a sense of strategic planning and intentionality. When using this phrase, consider the context and avoid overuse in informal settings. Alternatives like "a strategic move" or "a deliberate action" may be more appropriate in casual conversation. The phrase is most frequently found in "News & Media".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strategic move

Focuses on the strategic aspect, implying careful planning for a specific goal.

a deliberate action

Emphasizes the intentional and thoughtful nature of the act.

an intentional step

Highlights the purposefulness and consciousness of the action taken.

a planned strategy

Highlights the planning and forethought involved.

a purposeful endeavor

Emphasizes the determined and goal-oriented nature of the undertaking.

a tactical play

Suggests a specific action within a larger strategy, often in a competitive context.

a shrewd move

Implies cleverness and resourcefulness in achieving an objective.

a well-thought-out plan

Emphasizes the depth and consideration put into the plan.

a cunning scheme

Suggests a more devious or manipulative approach.

a Machiavellian tactic

Implies a ruthless and pragmatic approach to achieving power.

FAQs

How can I use "a calculated maneuver" in a sentence?

You can use "a calculated maneuver" to describe a deliberate action taken to achieve a specific goal. For example: "The company's pricing strategy was "a calculated maneuver" to undercut its competitors".

What are some alternatives to "a calculated maneuver"?

Alternatives include "a strategic move", "a deliberate action", or "a planned strategy". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a calculated maneuver"?

It is most appropriate in formal or professional contexts where you want to emphasize the strategic and deliberate nature of an action. It can also be used in news and media when describing political or business strategies.

Is "a calculated maneuver" different from "a calculated risk"?

Yes. "A calculated risk" refers to a decision made after assessing potential dangers, while "a calculated maneuver" describes a strategic action planned to gain an advantage. The focus is on risk assessment versus strategic planning.