a game of calculation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a game of calculation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing a situation that involves strategic thinking, analysis, or numerical assessment. Example: "In business negotiations, it's often a game of calculation, where every move must be carefully considered to maximize profit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

They regarded chess as a game of calculation, and calculation, of course, is what computers are good at.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Cognitive psychologists discovered that grandmaster chess was more of a game of pattern recognition than calculation.

The New York Times - Science

Football is a game of passion, and part of every fan would die if the game were reduced to a soulless set of calculations.

The Guardian - Sport

But for a while, Hingis's clever game of calculations did not factor in the emotion that spirited her opponent around the court or the passion that was behind ground strokes that seemed borrowed from a time capsule.

The New York Times - Sports

Billiards is a game of both strategy and physical skill.

Artificial Intelligence

A game of cornhole.

Los Angeles Times

Imagine a task such as playing a game of tennis.

Current Biology

"We have to do a lot of calculation.

The Guardian - Business

In Klitgaard's reckoning, corruption is a crime of calculation.

The New Yorker

Very appealingly, she seems a dancer free of calculation.

The New York Times - Arts

To me, there was an element of calculation in it.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a game of calculation" when you want to emphasize the strategic and analytical aspects of a situation. This phrase implies careful planning and assessment of potential outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "a game of calculation" in casual or informal settings, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler phrases like "a matter of strategy" or "a calculated move" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a game of calculation" primarily functions as a noun phrase, serving as a descriptor for situations characterized by strategic thinking and deliberate assessment. As Ludwig AI points out, it highlights the importance of careful planning and analytical evaluation in a given context.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a game of calculation" is a grammatically correct but relatively rare expression used to describe situations requiring strategic thinking and analytical evaluation. As Ludwig AI states, it emphasizes the need for careful planning and assessment of potential outcomes. Its neutral register makes it suitable for news articles and scientific contexts. While not as common as alternative phrases like "a matter of strategy" or "a calculated risk", it effectively conveys the importance of deliberation and strategizing. However, it is important to remember that overuse in informal contexts can sound overly formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A matter of strategy

Focuses on the strategic aspect, omitting the explicit mention of "calculation".

A strategic endeavor

Highlights the planned and purposeful nature of the activity, rather than the calculation itself.

A calculated risk

Emphasizes the risk assessment aspect, suggesting a potential for loss or failure.

A tactical maneuver

Implies a specific action or series of actions aimed at achieving a goal.

A deliberate plan

Stresses the intentional and pre-planned nature of the activity.

An exercise in assessment

Highlights the evaluative nature of the activity.

A study in analysis

Focuses on the detailed examination and interpretation of data.

A question of foresight

Implies the need to anticipate future events and plan accordingly.

A careful assessment

Highlights the meticulous and thorough nature of the evaluation.

A strategic assessment

Emphasis the strategic and purposeful aspects of the assessment.

FAQs

How can I use "a game of calculation" in a sentence?

You can use "a game of calculation" to describe situations where strategy and careful assessment are crucial. For example, "Negotiating a business deal is often "a game of calculation"."

What are some alternatives to "a game of calculation"?

Alternatives include "a matter of strategy", "a strategic endeavor", or "a calculated risk", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a game of calculation"?

It's appropriate in formal or professional contexts where you want to emphasize the strategic and analytical nature of a situation. Avoid using it in casual conversations.

Is "a game of calculation" a common phrase?

While grammatically correct and understandable, "a game of calculation" is not as common as simpler alternatives like "strategic planning" or "risk assessment". Ludwig's examples suggest its usage is relatively rare.