exercise in democracy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exercise in democracy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an activity or process that allows individuals to participate in democratic practices, such as voting or public discourse. Example: "The town hall meeting was a true exercise in democracy, allowing citizens to voice their opinions on local issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It's an exercise in democracy.

Independent

Yet this is no cheery exercise in democracy.

The Economist

When the subject is taxes, every trip to the dump is suddenly an exercise in democracy.

The New York Times

Instead, he gave a short statement saying next Thursday's referendum was "a great exercise in democracy".

The Guardian

And President Vladimir V. Putin's war in Chechnya can hardly be considered an exercise in democracy.

The New York Times

NEW DELHI Indiaia's monthlong nationwide election is often called the world's largest exercise in democracy.

The New York Times

Twenty months later, that plucky exercise in democracy has faded in the face of an ascendant China.

The New York Times

But it was far from clear that the exercise in democracy was what the Bush administration or Israel had intended.

The New York Times

What could we learn if we took the relationship between therapist and patient as an exercise in democracy?

The New York Times - Books

If they'd like to vote twice, well welcome, this is an exercise in democracy, let them exercise it twice".

The New York Times

As voting begins on Monday in India's general election – the world's biggest exercise in democracy – this is truer than ever.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "exercise in democracy", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific action or event constitutes the democratic exercise. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "exercise in democracy" as a blanket term for any political activity. Instead, specify the particular process, such as voting, protesting, or public debate, to maintain precision and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exercise in democracy" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used to describe specific events, processes, or actions that exemplify or enact democratic principles. It highlights the practical application of democracy in various contexts, as shown in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exercise in democracy" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe an event or action that embodies democratic principles. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in News & Media. While the phrase itself is neutral in tone, the contexts in which it appears often imply an evaluation of how well democracy is being practiced. When using this phrase, be specific about which action or process you are referring to, which will allow for greater clarity. Alternatives, such as "democratic process" or "civic engagement", may be more suitable depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Democratic process

Focuses on the systematic procedures and mechanisms inherent in a democracy.

Democratic participation

Emphasizes the act of citizens taking part in a democratic system.

Civic engagement

Broader term encompassing any activity that addresses public concerns.

Popular sovereignty in action

Highlights the principle that the authority of a state and its government are created and sustained by the consent of its people.

Expression of popular will

Focuses on the manifestation of the desires and opinions of the citizenry.

Democratic action

Highlights instances of individuals or groups acting within the boundaries of a democratic system.

Constitutional government in practice

Highlights constitutional government functioning as a representation of democracy in action.

Self-governance in action

Focuses on a democratic form of governance and how it functions.

Ballot box democracy

The act of citizens casting a vote is presented as democracy in motion.

Democratic involvement

Emphasizes citizens involving themselves and partaking of aspects related to a democratic system.

FAQs

How can I use "exercise in democracy" in a sentence?

You can use "exercise in democracy" to describe any activity where people participate in a democratic process. For example, "The local election was a crucial "exercise in democracy" for the community."

What is a synonym for "exercise in democracy"?

Alternatives include "democratic process", "democratic participation", or "civic engagement". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say 'a failed exercise in democracy'?

Yes, you can use "exercise in democracy" to describe something positive, negative or neutral. For example, "The referendum was a failed "exercise in democracy" due to low voter turnout."

What distinguishes "exercise in democracy" from "democratic ideal"?

"Exercise in democracy" refers to a specific instance or event where democratic principles are put into action. "Democratic ideal", on the other hand, is a broader concept representing the values and aspirations of a democratic society.