a certain clout

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain clout" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific level of influence or power that someone has in a particular context. Example: "In the world of politics, having a certain clout can significantly impact decision-making processes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But people do: there is, it seems, a certain clout that emanates from having no clout.

The New York Times

Nall's nearly twenty-year tenure as Adams County sheriff gives him a certain clout, which other sheriffs can't match.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

As a Republican, Mr. Schwarzenegger arrived in Washington with a certain degree of clout.

The New York Times

Backhouse, who was fluent in Mandarin, Manchurian, Mongolian and Japanese, had a certain amount of clout — and it was almost impossible for his readers to verify his claims.

The New York Times - Books

Cameron's refusal to contemplate withdrawal from the EU weakens his hand, but our £9bn membership sub gives a certain amount of clout.

The Guardian - Opinion

If you say you're an All-Star there is a certain amount of clout that comes along with it, correct?" Correct, mostly — there were only eighty-four — but point taken: being ninety-second in the world, in anything, ain't bad).

The New Yorker

The Toshiba name also offers a certain level of clout for enterprise customers who may be wary about buying from startups that have only been around for a few years.

TechCrunch

He carried a certain amount of clout ― physically too, it seems.

Huffington Post

But the frowning, reluctant, brutal judgement of one of the continent's most successful and wealthy businessmen carried with it a certain grim, gold-plated clout.

BBC

Parents have limited outlets for expressing their concerns and often have to muster a certain level of knowledge and clout to get attention.

The New York Times

With a handmade analog ticker of the New York stock exchange, Wong lists abbreviations of civil rights leaders' names instead of stocks, and scrolls through their numbers of followers, subscribers and page views from Facebook, YouTube and Twitter, to demonstrate how "civil rights leaders have a certain kind of brand or clout on global culture".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a certain clout" to convey a nuanced sense of influence or power that isn't explicitly defined but is nonetheless significant in a particular context. For example, "The mayor's endorsement carries a certain clout in local elections."

Common error

Avoid using "a certain clout" too frequently in casual conversation. While grammatically sound, it can sound overly formal or affected in everyday settings. Consider using simpler alternatives like "influence" or "weight."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain clout" functions as a noun phrase. It modifies an element in a sentence by specifying that element has a degree of influence or power, as indicated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a certain clout" is grammatically correct and functions as a noun phrase, denoting influence or power. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While versatile, it appears most commonly in News & Media. Alternatives like "some influence" or "a degree of power" offer similar meanings. It's advisable to use it judiciously in informal settings to avoid sounding overly formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a degree of influence

This alternative emphasizes the extent of the influence rather than its nature.

a measure of power

This alternative highlights the power aspect more directly, using 'power' instead of 'clout'.

some influence

This alternative is less emphatic and specific compared to the original phrase.

some weight

This alternative is less formal and implies a significant impact or importance.

a level of authority

This alternative focuses on the formal or official aspect of power.

some leverage

This alternative focuses on the ability to use influence to achieve a specific outcome.

a specific pull

This alternative emphasizes a particular kind of influence in a situation.

a particular sway

This alternative focuses on the persuasive influence someone has.

a definite impact

This alternative highlights the effect or consequence of someone's actions or words.

some standing

This alternative suggests that influence is derived from reputation or position.

FAQs

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

You can use "a certain clout" to describe someone or something that has influence or power in a particular situation. For example, "The celebrity's endorsement gave the product "a certain clout" with consumers."

What are some alternatives to "a certain clout"?

Some alternatives to "a certain clout" include "some influence", "a degree of power", or "a measure of authority". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a certain level of clout" instead of "a certain clout"?

Yes, "a certain level of clout" is also correct and commonly used. It emphasizes the extent or degree of influence. You can also say "a certain amount of clout".

What does "clout" specifically mean in the phrase "a certain clout"?

In the phrase "a certain clout", "clout" refers to influence or power, especially in politics or business. It suggests that someone has the ability to affect decisions or outcomes.