as a weapon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'as a weapon' is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, you could use it in the sentence: "He wielded his sharp wit as a weapon in the debate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

As a weapon?

The New Yorker

Perhaps... as a weapon.

The New York Times

It is about sex as a weapon".

The New Yorker

He uses that as a weapon.

The New Yorker

Food shouldn't be used as a weapon.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Food was used as a weapon.

The Guardian - Books

And it's a stick, a cudgel, used as a weapon.

Yale University

use the agent as a weapon, as current law requires.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Did he use that stone-faced aura as a weapon?

The Guardian - Sport

"I used psychology as a weapon".

Huffington Post

Sorensen states that Sarmiento used "text as [a] weapon".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "as a weapon", ensure the context clearly indicates the intentional use of something for harm, defense, or manipulation. Clarity prevents misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "as a weapon" when the intention is not explicitly aggressive or defensive. Overusing the phrase can create unnecessary dramatic effect or misrepresent the true purpose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a weapon" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the purpose or manner in which something is used. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

10%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a weapon" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe the intentional application of something—be it an object, an idea, or an action—for harm, defense, or strategic manipulation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across diverse sources, particularly in news and media. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates the intentional use to avoid misinterpretations, and be mindful of overuse to maintain the desired impact. Consider alternatives such as "for combative purposes" or "in an offensive capacity" to vary your expression while retaining the core meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a tool for aggression

Focuses specifically on the aggressive use, highlighting intent.

for combative purposes

Emphasizes the intent of fighting or opposition.

in an offensive capacity

Highlights the attacking nature of the use.

as an instrument of power

Shifts the focus to control and dominance.

to exert influence

Focuses on the use for manipulation or control.

for strategic advantage

Emphasizes planning and gaining an edge.

as a means of defense

Shifts the purpose to protection rather than aggression.

in a hostile manner

Highlights the aggressive and unfriendly way of using something.

as a method of attack

Specifically indicates an aggressive action or assault.

for self-protection

Focuses on using something to protect oneself.

FAQs

How can I use "as a weapon" in a sentence?

You can use "as a weapon" to describe something being intentionally used for harm, defense, or manipulation. For instance, "He used his words "as a weapon" to intimidate his opponents".

What are some alternatives to saying "as a weapon"?

Alternatives include "for combative purposes", "in an offensive capacity", or "as an instrument of power", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to describe something "as a weapon"?

While often used in a negative context to denote harm or aggression, "as a weapon" can also describe using something for self-defense or to achieve a strategic advantage. The connotation depends on the situation.

What is the difference between using something "as a tool" versus "as a weapon"?

Using something "as a tool" implies a constructive or neutral purpose, while using something "as a weapon" suggests an intent to harm, manipulate, or defend aggressively. The key difference lies in the intent and resulting action.