as weapons of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as weapons of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is utilized or employed in a harmful or aggressive manner, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The media can sometimes be used as weapons of propaganda to influence public opinion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They could even be employed as weapons of war.

The Guardian - Opinion

As weapons of destruction, bombs have never had much moral cachet.

The New Yorker

But despite the darkness, she's an uplifting singer, using pace and cadence as weapons of cheer.

The New York Times - Arts

Jonson defined "arms" as "weapons of offence, or armour of defence".

The Economist

Like nuclear weapons and biological weapons, chemical weapons are often classified as weapons of mass destruction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Under U.S. law, these are classified as weapons of mass destruction.

The New Yorker

The Russian maker of the AK-47 describes its range of arms as "weapons of peace".

The Economist

Oil products were valued as weapons of war in the ancient world.

Encyclopedia Britannica

What we once used as weapons of war, we now use as weapons against fish.

The New York Times

The missiles are useful primarily as weapons of political terror and intimidation.

The New York Times

Many preconceptions also exist about drones as weapons of war and espionage.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as weapons of", ensure the context clearly conveys the aggressive or harmful intent behind the utilization. This phrase is most effective when describing something not traditionally considered a weapon, thus creating a more impactful metaphor.

Common error

Avoid using "as weapons of" when describing actual weapons; the phrase is more impactful when applied metaphorically to non-weapon entities used aggressively, such as "words", "data", or "policies".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as weapons of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, describing the purpose or manner in which something is used. It typically ascribes an aggressive or harmful intent to the use, often in a metaphorical sense. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as weapons of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe something being employed in an aggressive or harmful manner, often metaphorically. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly found in various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias and scientific domains. When using this phrase, ensure the context appropriately conveys the intended aggression or harm, and consider alternatives like "used for aggression" or "employed to attack" for nuanced expression. Avoid literal applications; the phrase is most effective when applied metaphorically.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

used for aggression

Focuses more directly on the aggressive use, omitting the weapon metaphor.

utilized for harm

Emphasizes the intent to cause harm, rather than the method.

employed to attack

Highlights the attacking purpose, using more formal language.

functioning as instruments of

Replaces "weapons" with "instruments", offering a slightly less aggressive tone.

serving as tools for

Uses "tools" instead of "weapons", suggesting a more general purpose.

applied in acts of

Focuses on the actions performed, rather than the tools used.

leveraged to promote

Suggests strategic use for advancement, either positive or negative.

harnessed for acts of

Implies controlled use toward specific actions, which can range from benevolent to malevolent.

adapted into means of

Implies transforming something to achieve a certain end. Slightly changes the context from the original query.

acting as conduits for

Suggests that it facilitates or transmits something, rather than being the cause.

FAQs

How can I use "as weapons of" in a sentence?

Use "as weapons of" to describe how something not inherently a weapon is used to harm or exert power. For instance, "Misinformation can be used as weapons of manipulation".

What are some alternatives to "as weapons of"?

You can use alternatives like "used for aggression", "employed to attack", or "utilized for harm" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "as weapons of" in formal writing?

Yes, "as weapons of" is appropriate in formal writing when used to create a strong, metaphorical comparison. It's commonly found in news, academic, and business contexts.

What's the difference between "as weapons of" and "as tools of"?

"As weapons of" implies a more aggressive or harmful use, while "as tools of" suggests a more neutral or constructive purpose. Choose "as weapons of" when emphasizing the destructive potential or impact.