adopt a tactic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "adopt a tactic" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing strategies or methods that one might choose to implement in a particular situation or context. Example: "In order to improve our sales performance, we need to adopt a tactic that focuses on customer engagement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

No, but he did appear to adopt a tactic of driving for points.

Independent

"If they're going to adopt a tactic like that we'll have to reconsider our position when it comes to the mining tax and the carbon tax," he said.

The Guardian

The waitstaff never seem to have the faintest idea as to who ordered which dish; instead, they adopt a tactic of auctioning off the plates.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

And the rebels adopted a tactic to encourage that by leaving a corridor through which the Government soldiers could escape.

The New York Times

He also adopted a tactic used by Nick Clegg in 2010 of ignoring the other debaters and the studio audience and talking to voters directly 'at home'.

Independent

From then on, she adopted a tactic of blending in -- except for a brief, and very believable, experiment: impersonating a cat during the first two weeks of kindergarten.

The New York Times - Books

In doing so, Reagan was adopting a tactic that white anti-busing segregationists and affirmative action opponents had developed during the prior decade.

The Washington Post

The opposition today is adopting a tactic that was pioneered by the women's movement, a decentralization of power so that the campaign continues even if a leader is arrested.

The New York Times

Then, adopting a tactic more commonly associated with Jewish settlers, the activists were protesting an Israeli announcement that it was moving forward with zoning and housing plans for the strategic area, stirring international outrage.

The New York Times

Insurgents also have adopted a tactic of planting empty shell casings and wiring in an obvious spot to draw the attention of American forces, said a military officer in Baghdad.

The New York Times

Adopting a tactic their party bashed as a stunt in the watershed 1994 elections, House Democrats plan to unveil their election-year themes by rolling out a "Contract with America -style legislAmerica -stylet in September.legislativerity Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif)., Democrats are in the conceptual stages of putting together their version of the "contract," crafted a decade ago blueprintep.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "adopt a tactic", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for choosing that particular tactic. Providing the rationale enhances clarity and strengthens the communication.

Common error

Avoid using "adopt a tactic" without specifying what the tactic entails. Be precise about the strategy or approach being adopted to prevent ambiguity and ensure effective communication. For example, avoid saying "We need to adopt a new tactic" and instead specify something like "We need to "adopt a strategy" focused on customer retention".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adopt a tactic" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of choosing and implementing a specific method to achieve a particular goal. Ludwig shows examples across various domains where someone 'takes on' or 'implements' an existing 'tactic'.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "adopt a tactic" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the act of choosing and implementing a specific method to achieve a goal. As highlighted by Ludwig, this phrase appears across various contexts, predominantly in news and media and scientific discussions, maintaining a neutral tone. While not exceedingly common, it serves a precise purpose in describing strategic decision-making. Remember to specify the tactic being adopted to avoid vagueness and ensure clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

implement a strategy

Focuses on the execution of a pre-defined plan, emphasizing action.

employ a method

Highlights the use of a specific procedure or technique.

utilize an approach

Emphasizes the application of a broader philosophical or theoretical framework.

take on a technique

Suggests learning and integrating a particular skill or method into one's repertoire.

resort to a measure

Implies a more drastic or reactive approach taken out of necessity.

apply a procedure

Highlights a step-by-step process, often in a technical or scientific setting.

choose a course of action

Focuses on the decision-making aspect, selecting a specific path to follow.

initiate a plan

Emphasizes the commencement or launch of a structured set of activities.

select a strategy

Highlights the choice among various potential approaches.

embrace a methodology

Suggests a wholehearted adoption of a systematic approach to solving a problem.

FAQs

How can I use "adopt a tactic" in a sentence?

You can use "adopt a tactic" to describe choosing and implementing a specific method or strategy. For example, "The company decided to "adopt a strategy" of aggressive marketing to increase sales."

What's the difference between "adopt a tactic" and "adopt a strategy"?

"Adopt a tactic" usually refers to implementing a specific, short-term action, while ""adopt a strategy"" implies implementing a broader, long-term plan.

What can I say instead of "adopt a tactic"?

You can use alternatives like "employ a method", "implement a strategy", or "utilize an approach" depending on the context.

Is it better to "adopt a tactic" or "develop a tactic"?

"Adopt a tactic" implies taking on an existing approach, while "develop a tactic" suggests creating a new one. Choose the phrase that best reflects whether you're using an existing tactic or creating a new one.