coup

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "coup" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a sudden, often violent, overthrow of a government or authority. Example: "The military staged a coup, leading to the ousting of the president."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Gwyneth Paltrow's coming … she's going to see my bits!!! Michelle Olley's performance diary The late British fashion designer Alexander McQueen induced writer Michelle Olley to lie naked in a glass box in 2001 as the coup de theatre of a fashion show.

The Guardian - Arts

Related: Top 13 radio howlers Nigel Farage is having a bad day, as he faces a "coup" over leadership of Ukip.

The Guardian

Cameron, and others less combatively, complain that Juncker is being imposed by a parliamentary coup, usurping the prerogative of national leaders to agree on the nomination.

The Guardian

The England bowlers strained for the coup de grace.

The Guardian - Sport

In the ever-bitter battle of nerves that the heritage dispute has become, the meeting, for many, is already a coup.

The Guardian - Arts

He described how governors in one school "wanted to replace the head with a Muslim head"; in another that "staff and governors were in an alliance to destabilise the head"; and in another school he described events as a "bloodless coup".

The Guardian - Opinion

One man who knew many of them is Simon Mann, an old Etonian former SAS officer who achieved infamy in 2004 with a bungled coup attempt in Equatorial Guinea.

The Guardian

"What is happening now is a military coup," he bellowed shortly after entering the courtroom, in the hectoring tone that Egyptians came to lampoon during his year-long presidency.

The Guardian

"It's no good – it sends a message to the people that 3 July was a coup," said Ahmad Abd Allah, an activist who called for the fall of both Mubarak and Morsi.

The Guardian

Apart from adding a morose kind of gaiety to life, the failed coup attempt against Farage could yet offer some hope to Labour.

The Guardian - Opinion

Bournemouth must be hoping that enough of their regular fans feel proud enough of the coup to sell most of the stadium's 10,700 seats, because at those prices they are unlikely to pick up too many families on their way back from the beach.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "coup", ensure the context clearly indicates a sudden, often illegal, seizure of power or a significant achievement. Consider the connotations of violence or disruption associated with the term.

Common error

Avoid using "coup" to describe minor achievements or ordinary successes. Reserve it for instances of significant and often unexpected triumphs or takeovers.

Linguistic Context

Noun: "Coup" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a sudden and decisive action, often involving the seizure of power or a significant achievement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Opinion

15%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "coup" is a frequently used noun, primarily appearing in News & Media contexts to describe sudden seizures of power or significant achievements. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and diverse application. Related terms include "overthrow", "takeover", and "putsch", each carrying slight differences in connotation. When using "coup", ensure the context warrants its implications of sudden change and potential disruption.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bloodless coup

A coup without violence.

putsch

A sudden and decisive political change, similar to a coup, often implying a violent attempt.

seizure of power

Explicitly denotes the act of forcibly taking control of a government or organization.

overthrow

Refers to the forceful removal of a government or system, similar to a coup but potentially broader in scope.

takeover

Implies gaining control, often in a business or political context, but not necessarily through violent means.

insurrection

A broader term for a rebellion or uprising against established authority.

rebellion

An act of open resistance to an established government or ruler.

strategic victory

Highlights the element of calculated success and advantage gained, without necessarily involving violence or force.

masterstroke

Refers to a clever and successful action or plan, emphasizing skill and ingenuity.

triumph

Highlights the successful outcome of an action or endeavor, often in a celebratory way.

FAQs

How is "coup" typically used in a sentence?

The word "coup" is often used to describe a sudden, often violent, seizure of power from a government. For example, "The military staged a "coup", leading to the ousting of the president."

What are some synonyms for "coup"?

Alternatives to "coup" include "overthrow", "takeover", or "insurrection", depending on the specific context.

When should I use "coup" instead of "revolution"?

"Coup" typically refers to a swift seizure of power by a small group, often military, whereas "revolution" implies a broader, more popular uprising that fundamentally changes a society.

What is a "bloodless coup"?

A "bloodless "coup"" refers to a seizure of power without significant violence or bloodshed.