exert clout

USAGE SUMMARY

"exert clout" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea of influence or power over a particular situation. For example: "The wealthy businessman was able to exert his clout to get the law changed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Even as their grip on the home base has weakened, Nassau Republicans still exert clout beyond their borders.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

There are overlaps in the two companies' non-food merchandise, and together they will be able to exert real clout with suppliers.

The Guardian - Business

To end the conflict, which has killed more than 40,000 people and hampered Turkey's ability to exert its clout in the Middle East, Turkey needs to do three things.

The New York Times

Most important, though, our exchange failed not because it wasn't needed, and not because the concept wasn't sound, but because it never attained a large enough market share to exert significant clout in the Texas insurance market.

The New York Times

It was CBS MarketWatchs executive editor, not some whining political commentator, who warned that "a small group of business leaders exert enormous clout over Bush and his team in getting the rules changed to their benefit".

The New York Times

Essentially, where should they exert federal clout, overwriting local law and markets?

TechCrunch

Interestingly, the notice of inquiry is looking at "where the FCC could use its preemption authority to prevent the enforcement of state and local laws that inhibit broadband deployment". Essentially, where should they exert federal clout, overwriting local law and markets?

TechCrunch

He uses the example of Europe's electronic waste laws as a good step, but if a company like Wal-Mart, for example, which has annual sales bigger than GDP of 144 countries, exerts their clout to pressure the entire industry to change, that would result in true progress.

Huffington Post

Two GCC countries caught in the middle of the spat — Oman and Kuwait — may try to exert what limited clout they have to push for a compromise.

The Washington Post

Over the past three decades, the 55-year-old actress has appeared infrequently on Broadway, but as a film star in the United States, she's one of the few British performers to exert box-office clout on both sides of the Atlantic.

The New York Times - Magazine

Few senior citizens can exert the political clout of a John Glenn to achieve their goals, but the relaunching of this space-age icon is being taken -- indeed, seized upon -- as a symbol of what a growing cohort of energetic seniors can achieve if their aspirations and capabilities are honored.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exert clout" when you want to emphasize the active application of influence or power to achieve a specific outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "exert clout" when describing passive or inherent influence. This phrase is best suited for situations where influence is actively and intentionally applied.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exert clout" functions as a verb phrase where 'exert' is the transitive verb, and 'clout' serves as its direct object. The verb 'exert' requires a direct object to complete its meaning. This is consistent with Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase's usability and correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exert clout" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes the active application of influence or power. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for expressing intentional influence. While relatively rare, its use is appropriate in formal contexts, particularly in news, business, and academic settings. To ensure accurate usage, remember that it emphasizes the active application of influence rather than simply possessing it. Alternatives like "wield influence" or "exercise power" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exert influence

A more general term for having an effect on something.

wield influence

Focuses on the act of actively using influence.

exercise power

Emphasizes the application of control or authority.

have authority

Highlights the legitimacy of one's power or influence.

carry weight

Suggests that one's opinion or actions are important and influential.

have leverage

Focuses on possessing the means to influence a situation.

apply pressure

Implies a direct and forceful attempt to influence.

hold sway

Indicates a controlling influence over someone or something.

bring to bear

Highlights the act of directing resources or influence towards a specific goal.

command respect

Suggests influence derived from admiration or deference.

FAQs

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

You can use "exert clout" to describe situations where someone or something actively uses their power or influence to achieve a specific outcome. For example, "The corporation attempted to "exert clout" over the local government to secure favorable zoning regulations".

What are some alternatives to "exert clout"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "wield influence", "exercise power", or "exert influence". These phrases all convey a similar sense of actively using influence or power.

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

Yes, "exert clout" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in contexts related to business, politics, or law. It conveys a clear and direct meaning without being overly colloquial.

What is the difference between "exert clout" and "have clout"?

"Have clout" refers to possessing influence or power, while "exert clout" describes the active use of that influence or power. One describes a state of being, and the other describes an action.