assert leverage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "assert leverage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one is discussing the act of exercising influence or power in a situation, often in negotiations or strategic discussions. Example: "In order to secure a better deal, we need to assert leverage over our competitors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"There are faster ways to assert leverage on China than relying on the W.T.O., which could take years to resolve the case," Mr. Schumer said in a statement.

The New York Times

"It may be that the decision to shut down the road is just a bargaining tactic to assert leverage over the developer and the neighboring town".

The New York Times

It may be fashionable nowadays to moan that athletes make outrageous money — and I moan as much as any fan — but we tend to forget that before professional athletes became organized and began to assert leverage, the team owners tended to treat players like serfs.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"The real news is how little NIFA has done to assert its leverage to benefit the budget process and not support the same flawed fiscal practices of the past".

The New York Times

Will Lib-Labs rule for ever – as Ed Miliband clearly hopes – or will Ukip assert greater leverage on the Tories via second preferences (the new name for tactical voting?) and deliver a right-leaning majority bloc?

The Guardian

Italy also threatened to end all art loans and other cooperation with the Getty, asserting the leverage that comes with holdings that include some of Western civilization's greatest art.

Los Angeles Times

The latest engagement, some analysts say, reflects the agendas and ambitions of the politicized Thai military, seeking to assert its influence and leverage in advance of a parliamentary election expected in June or July.

The New York Times

Marriage contracts generally go no further than specifying the size of the bride's mahr — a sort of dowry the groom must pay her — because many Muslim women are illinformed of their rights, and, even if they do know them, lack the financial and social leverage to assert them.

The New Yorker

This is likely because the challenge manifest in these informatics is more fundamental, having to do with the ways in which institutions and organizations leverage technologies to assert knowledge politics "in ways that rely upon the differential influence and authority that is granted to particular forms of knowledge or representations" (Barnett 2011).

Journal of International Humanitarian Action

Note that we forego a discussion of different theoretical traditions in criminology and merely assert that our interest is in leveraging text-based narratives to better characterize crime events.

Crime Science

Notwithstanding their utter lack of real resources or leverage, circumstances have compelled them to assert that they are the saviors of Europe.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "assert leverage", ensure that the context clearly indicates the means by which the leverage is being exerted. Providing specific details enhances clarity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "assert leverage" when the actual influence is minimal or non-existent. Accurately represent the level of power being exercised to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "assert leverage" functions as a verb phrase where "assert" is the verb and "leverage" is the noun. It describes the act of actively exercising or demonstrating one's power or influence in a particular situation. This usage aligns with examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "assert leverage" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes the act of exerting influence or power. According to Ludwig, while the phrase is valid, it appears relatively infrequently, primarily within News & Media contexts. Alternative phrases such as "exert influence" or "exercise control" may be more commonly used depending on the desired nuance. When employing "assert leverage", ensure clarity and accuracy in describing the means and extent of the influence being applied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exert influence

This alternative directly replaces "assert leverage" with a more common phrase indicating the application of influence.

leverage influence

This alternative focuses on maximizing the use of existing influence.

exercise control

This alternative emphasizes the act of implementing and maintaining control over a situation or entity.

wield power

This alternative highlights the active use of power, suggesting a forceful application of authority.

apply pressure

This suggests using strategic actions to influence a situation, often in negotiations or conflicts.

gain advantage

Focuses on obtaining a more favorable position through strategic action, rather than direct influence.

establish influence

This focuses on creating a leading or controlling position, implying a more forceful and sustained effort.

establish dominance

This emphasizes creating a leading or controlling position, implying a more forceful and sustained effort.

increase bargaining power

This focuses on strengthening one's position in negotiations, making it more specific to that context.

reinforce authority

Highlights strengthening existing authority or control rather than initially establishing it.

FAQs

How can I use "assert leverage" in a sentence?

You can use "assert leverage" to describe attempts to gain control or exert influence in a situation. For example: "The company sought to "assert leverage" over its competitors through aggressive marketing."

What are some alternatives to "assert leverage"?

Alternatives include "exert influence", "exercise control", or "wield power". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it better to say "assert leverage" or "gain leverage"?

"Assert leverage" implies actively using existing power or influence, while "gain leverage" suggests acquiring that power. The choice depends on whether you're describing the use of existing influence or the process of acquiring it.

When is it appropriate to use "assert leverage" in writing?

Use "assert leverage" when discussing strategic actions aimed at influencing outcomes, particularly in business, politics, or negotiations. It is suitable for formal and analytical contexts.