economic weapon

USAGE SUMMARY

"economic weapon" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to any action or tool that is used to manipulate or influence the economy of a country or region. An example of using "economic weapon" in a sentence could be: "The imposition of trade tariffs has been used as an economic weapon by many countries in an attempt to protect their industries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Applied selectively to various countries, quotas can also be a coercive economic weapon.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Steinitz also emphasized what he called the importance of maintaining the sanctions, suggesting that the economic weapon was as effective as a military threat.

The New York Times

China is North Korea's main trading partner and provides extensive financial aid, but it is unlikely to use this economic weapon to punish its impoverished neighbor financially.

The New York Times

For the pro-UK parties, central government investment in projects such as the HMS Queen Elizabeth is a powerful political and economic weapon.

The Guardian - Business

So it is stupefying that some Chinese officials — with the blessing of the government press — have been talking of using China's enormous cache of American Treasury bonds as an economic weapon.

The New York Times

In times of conflict the United States might even be able to use the dollar as an economic weapon, withholding currency from an intractable government to bend it to Washington's will.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

China has the economic weapons.

The Guardian - Opinion

Dozens of state and local governments once aimed similar economic weapons against South Africa's apartheid regime.

The New York Times

Mobile-phone companies have increased the cost of international calls to raise money.Both sides are wielding economic weapons.

The Economist

They have to go through a series of negotiation rounds, arbitration and cooling-off periods before they can even request permission to use economic weapons.

The New York Times

It relied on economic weapons, chiefly the strike and boycott, and it eschewed political activity, except for state and local election campaigns.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the ethical implications when describing actions as "economic weapons". This term can carry negative connotations, suggesting aggressive or coercive behavior.

Common error

Avoid using "economic weapon" as a catch-all term for any economic policy. Reserve it for situations where the primary intent is to exert pressure or inflict harm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "economic weapon" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in contexts describing strategic economic actions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "economic weapon" is a common and grammatically sound term used to describe economic actions intended to exert pressure or influence. Ludwig AI validates this understanding. Its usage is primarily found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Wiki sources. While grammatically correct, it often carries a negative connotation, implying coercion or harm. When using this phrase, it's important to be specific about the action and target, and to consider the ethical implications. Alternative phrases like "economic leverage" or "economic policy instrument" may be more appropriate depending on the desired nuance. In summary, "economic weapon" is a powerful term that should be used with careful consideration of its implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

economic leverage

Focuses on the ability to influence actions through economic means.

financial coercion

Emphasizes the act of compelling behavior through financial pressure.

trade sanctions as a tool

Highlights the use of trade restrictions as a method of enforcement.

economic statecraft

Suggests skillful use of economic resources to achieve foreign policy objectives.

monetary policy instrument

Refers to the use of monetary policy to achieve economic or political goals.

fiscal policy lever

Describes using government spending and taxation to influence economic outcomes.

economic warfare

Implies an aggressive use of economic tactics to damage an opponent's economy.

currency manipulation

Focuses on altering currency values to gain an economic advantage.

market access denial

Emphasizes restricting access to markets as a form of economic pressure.

investment restriction

Highlights limiting investment flows to exert economic influence.

FAQs

How can I use "economic weapon" in a sentence?

You can use "economic weapon" to describe actions like imposing tariffs, restricting trade, or manipulating currency to influence another country's policies. For example: "Trade sanctions are often used as an "economic weapon" to pressure governments."

What are some alternatives to "economic weapon"?

Alternatives include "economic leverage", "financial coercion", or "trade sanctions as a tool" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "economic weapon" a neutral term?

No, "economic weapon" typically carries a negative connotation, suggesting the use of economic measures to harm or coerce another entity. More neutral terms might include "economic policy instrument" or "economic strategy".

What's the difference between "economic weapon" and "economic policy"?

"Economic policy" is a broad term referring to any government action related to the economy. An "economic weapon" is a specific type of economic policy used with the primary intention of exerting pressure or inflicting economic harm on another entity. It is more targeted and aggressive than a general "economic policy".