a calculated move

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a calculated move" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that has been carefully thought out and planned, often with strategic intent. Example: "The company's decision to enter the new market was a calculated move to increase its global presence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Others on the right simply condemned Mrs Clinton's tweet as a calculated move from an always-calculating political family.

BBC

This was a calculated move.

The Guardian

If it was a calculated move, it paid off.

The Guardian

In retrospect, this seems to have been a calculated move.

The New Yorker

The Seymour trade was a calculated move with an eye to the future.

The New York Times

It seemed like a calculated move to poison the nascent Syrian revolution.

The New Yorker

His change from vicious to quiescent, Mr. Bosket said, was a calculated move.

The New York Times

Some critics say the ban was a calculated move by the governor to attract national conservatives.

The Guardian

But this was not a "red carpet mistake!!!"; it was a calculated move.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And it's a pity that it can be mistaken for a calculated move.

Independent

And in a calculated move to keep it more local, it doesn't take reservations.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a calculated move" when you want to emphasize that an action was not taken randomly but was carefully planned to achieve a specific goal. It often implies strategic thinking and foresight.

Common error

Avoid using "a calculated move" to describe actions that are spontaneous or driven by emotion. The phrase implies deliberate planning and strategic intent, so it's unsuitable for describing impulsive behavior.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a calculated move" is that of a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig provides examples where it describes strategic actions in various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a calculated move" is a phrase used to describe a carefully planned action, often with a strategic purpose. Ludwig's examples show its prevalence in news and media, but also in business contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. When using this phrase, ensure you're accurately portraying an action that was deliberately thought out, not impulsive. Alternatives include "a strategic maneuver" or "a planned action". It's a versatile phrase suitable for various registers, making it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary. As examples in Ludwig show, it's used to portray actions that are strategic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strategic maneuver

Replaces "move" with "maneuver", suggesting a more tactical or skillful action.

a planned action

Focuses on the intentional and pre-planned nature of the action.

a deliberate step

Emphasizes the careful consideration involved in the action.

a tactical decision

Highlights the strategic aspect of the decision-making process.

a considered action

Stresses the thoughtfulness and deliberation behind the action.

a purposeful act

Underscores the intention and goal-oriented nature of the act.

a premeditated measure

Implies a more formal and carefully planned approach.

an intentional play

Suggests a strategic move, often in a game or competitive situation.

a shrewd tactic

Highlights the clever and astute nature of the tactic.

a well-thought-out plan

Emphasizes the thoroughness and planning involved.

FAQs

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

You can use "a calculated move" to describe an action that was carefully planned and intended to achieve a specific result. For instance, "The company's decision to merge with its competitor was "a calculated move" to increase market share".

What are some alternatives to saying "a calculated move"?

You can use alternatives such as "a strategic maneuver", "a planned action", or "a deliberate step", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a calculated move" a formal or informal expression?

"A calculated move" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It's commonly used in news reports, business analyses, and everyday conversations to describe strategic actions.

What's the difference between "a calculated move" and "a lucky break"?

"A calculated move" refers to an action that's carefully planned and intended to achieve a specific outcome, while "a lucky break" refers to a fortunate and unexpected event. The former implies planning and strategy, while the latter implies chance and good fortune.