a degree of leverage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a degree of leverage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the extent of influence or advantage one has in a particular situation or context. Example: "In negotiations, having a degree of leverage can significantly impact the outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"It gives us a degree of leverage," he said.

The New York Times

Yet at too great a degree of leverage, bank solvency is at risk".

The New York Times

The American presence had been tolerated because of the need for aid and because it provided the tiny country a degree of leverage over the United States.

The New York Times

It also would restore a degree of leverage.

Huffington Post

In the longer term, if Qatar can enable the EU to gradually diversify its sources of natural gas, the Kremlin would lose a degree of leverage over Brussels at the negotiating table.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

He also uses a small degree of leverage and is primarily a buyer of stocks, not a short seller who tries to pick stocks that will decline.

The New York Times

In practice, therefore, anyone who is in a position to obstruct the US push for a new sanctions resolution has a tremendous degree of leverage over the United States right now.

Huffington Post

— to a private company that relies on a high degree of leverage.

The New York Times

These assets owned by a variety of financial players, employing a high degree of leverage, suffered big losses causing them to have to sell assets.

Huffington Post

Both involve a high degree of leverage and would link an Indian resource base tea plantations and iron ore with global marketing reach.Tata Steel is emblematic of the successful parts of Indian manufacturing.

The Economist

Indeed, its current prosperity reflects not just the over-all economic recovery but the persistence of many of the factors that got us into the financial crisis in the first place: an emphasis on trading rather than lending, a high degree of leverage, and implicit subsidies from the taxpayer.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a degree of leverage" when you want to express a limited but significant amount of influence or advantage. It's useful in situations where the power dynamic isn't absolute but still impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "a degree of leverage" when describing a situation of complete control or dominance. The phrase implies a limited, not total, advantage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a degree of leverage" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as an object or complement in a sentence. It quantifies the extent of influence or advantage someone possesses. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a degree of leverage" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a limited but significant amount of influence or advantage. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage. It's most commonly found in news and business contexts, suggesting a neutral to professional register. Related phrases include "a level of influence" and "some bargaining power". When using this phrase, ensure you are accurately portraying a limited, rather than absolute, advantage. While not frequently used it's accepted and understood in multiple academic and professional contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

some leverage

Shortened form of the original phrase, implying a similar meaning.

a level of influence

Focuses on the extent of control or impact exerted.

a small amount of influence

Specifies a limited amount of influence.

a measure of advantage

Highlights the beneficial aspect of having leverage.

a degree of control

Focuses on the ability to manage or direct a situation.

some bargaining power

Emphasizes the ability to negotiate favorable terms.

a certain amount of sway

Suggests a degree of persuasive influence.

an element of dominance

Highlights the aspect of superiority or control.

a position of strength

Indicates an advantageous strategic situation.

a tactical advantage

Highlights a specific advantage in a strategic situation.

FAQs

How can I use "a degree of leverage" in a sentence?

You can use "a degree of leverage" to describe a situation where someone has some influence or advantage, but not complete control. For example, "Having unique data gave the company "a degree of leverage" in negotiations."

What's the difference between "a degree of leverage" and "a lot of leverage"?

"A degree of leverage" implies a limited, though notable, amount of influence, whereas "a lot of leverage" suggests a more substantial advantage. The former is suitable when the influence is moderate; the latter, when it's considerable.

What can I say instead of "a degree of leverage"?

You can use alternatives like "a level of influence", "a measure of advantage", or "some bargaining power" depending on the specific context.

Is "a degree of leverage" formal or informal?

"A degree of leverage" is generally suitable for neutral to formal contexts, such as business discussions, news reports, and academic writing. It might sound somewhat out of place in very casual conversation.