calculated move

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "calculated move" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a decision or action that has been carefully thought out and planned in advance, often with strategic intent. Example: "The CEO's decision to expand into new markets was a calculated move aimed at increasing the company's profitability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Others on the right simply condemned Mrs Clinton's tweet as a calculated move from an always-calculating political family.

BBC

This was a calculated move.

The Guardian

It was a bizarrely calculated move.

The Economist

Such a calculated move would make sense.

The Guardian - Books

If it was a calculated move, it paid off.

The Guardian

In retrospect, this seems to have been a calculated move.

The New Yorker

It is a smart, calculated move by the president.

The Guardian

The Seymour trade was a calculated move with an eye to the future.

The New York Times

It seemed like a calculated move to poison the nascent Syrian revolution.

The New Yorker

His change from vicious to quiescent, Mr. Bosket said, was a calculated move.

The New York Times

Some critics say the ban was a calculated move by the governor to attract national conservatives.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an action as a "calculated move", ensure the context clearly demonstrates the intentionality and planning behind it. Avoid using the phrase when the action appears impulsive or unintentional.

Common error

While "calculated move" is widely used, be mindful of the register. It can sound overly formal or even manipulative in casual conversation. Opt for simpler terms like "plan" or "strategy" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "calculated move" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "calculated" modifies the noun "move". It is often used to describe a strategy or action that is carefully planned and executed to achieve a specific outcome. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "calculated move" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe an action that is carefully planned and executed with a specific goal in mind. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, signifying its relevance in describing strategic decisions. While generally neutral to professional in register, it's crucial to use it judiciously in informal settings. When using "calculated move", make sure that the context underscores the intentional planning behind the act, and be aware of alternative phrases like "strategic maneuver" or "deliberate action" to fine-tune your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strategic maneuver

Replaces "move" with a synonym emphasizing strategy.

deliberate action

Emphasizes intentionality and thoughtfulness behind the action.

premeditated step

Highlights the planning aspect and suggests a careful, prior consideration.

intentional act

Focuses on the conscious and purposeful nature of the action.

planned initiative

Suggests a proactive and carefully designed effort.

strategic decision

Focuses on the decision-making process behind the move.

tactical play

Implies a strategic maneuver in a competitive or game-like situation.

purposeful measure

Highlights the intention behind the action taken.

cold-blooded strategy

Adds an element of ruthlessness or detachment to the planning.

Machiavellian tactic

Suggests a cunning and potentially manipulative strategy.

FAQs

How to use "calculated move" in a sentence?

Use "calculated move" to describe an action or decision that is carefully planned and executed, often with a specific goal in mind. For example: "The company's expansion into Asia was a "calculated move" to increase its global market share."

What can I say instead of "calculated move"?

You can use alternatives like "strategic maneuver", "deliberate action", or "premeditated step" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "calculated move" or "strategic move"?

Both "calculated move" and "strategic move" are correct and can be used interchangeably in many situations. However, "strategic move" might emphasize the overall strategy more, while "calculated move" highlights the careful planning.

What's the difference between "calculated move" and "impulsive decision"?

"Calculated move" implies careful planning and forethought, while "impulsive decision" suggests a spontaneous action without much consideration. They are antonyms, representing opposite approaches to decision-making.