carry clout

USAGE SUMMARY

"carry clout" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It means to possess influence or authority. Example: The politician's endorsement carries a lot of clout in the upcoming election.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

But his opinions still carry clout.

The New York Times - Sports

In Washington, they carry clout – with these elections ours can, too.

The Guardian - Opinion

For the rest of us, including those who run the world now, there will be some loss because for us a print paper can still carry clout and drama, especially if read in the morning.

The Guardian - Opinion

"In those corporations, HR managers carry clout," he said, "but in a whole lot of others, right now is a tough period for HR professionals". Pete Gray, who manages HR Only, an L.A.-based employment firm that specializes in placing human resource workers, sees the angst of the have-nots.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

When applying for jobs, she says, the pedigree carried clout.

The New York Times

The Fed's announcement carries clout because of the size.

The Economist

It also carries clout: Dmitri Medvedev, when he was president, appeared on it.

The New York Times - Magazine

But Higgerson rightly concludes: "The Electoral Commission carries clout in authorities – and rightly so.

The Guardian

Mr. Lynch, the S.E.C.'s enforcement director in the 1980s, carries clout on Wall Street and in Washington.

The New York Times

With the support of the leader of the EU's largest and richest member state, a commission president carries clout.

The Guardian

What's more, it comes from a panel assembled by the Investment Association, a body that carries clout because its members manage £5.5tn in assets.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "carry clout" when you want to emphasize that someone or something has significant influence or authority, especially in a specific context. For example, "In this community, endorsements from local leaders carry significant clout."

Common error

Don't assume that simply having a title or position automatically means someone "carries clout". Clout is earned through respect, experience, and demonstrated influence. Consider the actual impact someone has, not just their formal role.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "carry clout" functions as a predicate, indicating that a subject possesses influence or authority. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase describes individuals, organizations, or actions that have a significant impact.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "carry clout" is a grammatically correct and accepted idiom that signifies possessing significant influence or authority. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples across various contexts, most commonly in news and media. While it's generally appropriate for neutral and even professional registers, formal contexts might sometimes require more precise synonyms like "exert leverage" or "have weight". Remember that clout is earned and demonstrated, not simply assumed based on a title or position. Overall, "carry clout" is a useful and versatile phrase to describe impactful individuals, entities, or actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

carry weight

It is a synonym and an alternative wording

wield influence

Focuses on the active exertion of influence, rather than merely possessing it.

have weight

Indicates that someone's opinion or actions are taken seriously and have an impact.

have influence

A more general term for possessing influence, without necessarily implying it's being used.

possess authority

Emphasizes the formal or recognized power that someone holds.

have power

Suggests a broader capacity to affect outcomes, not necessarily based on influence.

hold sway

Suggests a dominant influence or control over others.

command respect

Focuses on the respect that someone's influence earns.

exert leverage

Implies using a specific advantage or position to achieve a desired outcome.

pack a punch

It is a more emphatic and informal version to say that an action or a statement has a significant impact.

FAQs

How can I use "carry clout" in a sentence?

You can use "carry clout" to describe someone or something that has influence or authority. For example, "The senator's support will "carry clout" in the upcoming vote."

What does it mean when someone says that something "carries clout"?

When someone says that something "carries clout", it means that it has a significant amount of influence or power. This influence can affect decisions, opinions, or outcomes.

Are there any synonyms for "carry clout"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "wield influence", "have influence", or "possess authority" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "carry clout" in formal writing?

Yes, "carry clout" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, although in highly formal contexts, you might consider using a more precise synonym like "exert leverage" or "have weight" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.