as a bargaining chip

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a bargaining chip" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a strategy or tactic in negotiations where something is used to gain an advantage or leverage. Example: "The company offered to lower prices as a bargaining chip to secure a long-term contract with the supplier."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As a bargaining chip for the DEA.

Independent

Might Abel not prove handy as a bargaining chip?

The New Yorker

Freedom is used merely as a bargaining chip.

The New Yorker

It is likely to be used as a bargaining chip.

The Guardian

Republicans have used this as a bargaining chip before.

The Guardian - Opinion

"He may use Montenegro as a bargaining chip".

The New York Times

Using the oceans as a bargaining chip is bad policy.

The New York Times

"Trump suggests using Taiwan as a Bargaining Chip," Marketplace Radio, NPR, Dec. 12, 2016.

Harvard University

So is the attack on Isis to be used as a bargaining chip with Assad?

The Guardian - Opinion

A. I think it's insulting that that would have been offered as a bargaining chip.

The New York Times

This will reduce North Korea's need to use nuclear weapons as a bargaining chip.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a bargaining chip", ensure the context clearly indicates what advantage is being sought and what is being offered or withheld.

Common error

Avoid using "as a bargaining chip" when the item or issue is not genuinely significant or influential in the negotiation. This can weaken your argument and diminish your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a bargaining chip" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, describing how something is used to achieve a specific outcome in negotiations or discussions. It often clarifies the intent behind an action, as confirmed by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a bargaining chip" is a commonly used phrase that describes the strategic use of something to gain an advantage in negotiations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. Alternatives like ""as leverage"" or ""as a negotiating point"" can be used to express similar ideas. When employing this phrase, be mindful of the potential negative connotations associated with calculated strategies. Understanding its nuances ensures effective and ethical communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as leverage

This alternative directly implies using something to gain an advantage.

as a negotiating point

This alternative emphasizes the role of the item or issue in a negotiation.

as a point of negotiation

Similar to "as a negotiating point", but focuses more on the act of negotiation itself.

as a trade-off

This implies an exchange or compromise is involved.

as a pawn

Suggests that the item or person is being used strategically, often with a negative connotation.

as a carrot

This evokes the idea of enticing someone to do something by offering something desirable.

as a concession

Implies something is being given up in order to reach an agreement.

as a strategic asset

This highlights the item's value and importance in achieving a goal.

as a means to an end

This suggests the item has no intrinsic value but is useful for achieving a desired outcome.

to gain an advantage

This focuses on the purpose of using something to improve one's position.

FAQs

How can I use "as a bargaining chip" in a sentence?

You can use "as a bargaining chip" to describe something used to gain an advantage in a negotiation. For instance, "The company used its patent portfolio "as a bargaining chip" during licensing discussions".

What are some alternatives to "as a bargaining chip"?

Alternatives include "as leverage", "as a negotiating point", or "as a trade-off", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "as a bargaining chip"?

It's appropriate when something is intentionally used to influence a negotiation or discussion, often to gain a concession or agreement that would otherwise be difficult to obtain.

What's the connotation of using something "as a bargaining chip"?

Using something "as a bargaining chip" often carries a neutral to slightly negative connotation, suggesting a calculated or strategic maneuver. The tone depends on the ethical implications of the specific situation.