exert leverage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exert leverage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one is discussing the act of using influence or power to achieve a desired outcome. Example: "In negotiations, it is important to exert leverage to secure the best possible deal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

But they could try to exert leverage through the annual bills providing money for Pentagon programs.

The New York Times

Nixon and Kissinger barely tried to exert leverage over Pakistan's military government.

The New York Times

It found a new source of power to exert leverage over these newly independent countries.

The New York Times

Many of them also use their voting power to exert leverage over a company's management at other times.

The Economist

As a result, the government should have been able to exert leverage over other investors to come to a deal.

The Economist

AOL can also exert leverage over even mighty Microsoft in the online market, where AOL has 29 million subscribers compared with the 5 million for Microsoft's MSN network.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

It should sound conversational, useful, and practical rather than exerting leverage.

The Guardian

"Conducting this in public is the least effective way of exerting leverage.

The New Yorker

According to American and Iraqi former officials, Suleimani exerts leverage over Iraqi politics by paying officials, by subsidizing newspapers and television stations, and, when necessary, by intimidation.

The New Yorker

The SOPA and PIPA bills would try to shut down these overseas piracy sites by exerting leverage on companies here in the United States, where they do have jurisdiction.

The New York Times

Iran's supreme leader today urged the Islamic oil-producing countries to suspend their oil exports for a month to countries supporting Israel as a means of exerting leverage with these countries over their position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exert leverage" when you want to emphasize the strategic application of influence to achieve a specific outcome. It implies a calculated effort to gain an advantage.

Common error

Avoid using "exert leverage" in casual conversation or informal writing. It sounds too formal and may come across as pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "use influence" or "have sway."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exert leverage" functions as a verb phrase, where "exert" is the verb and "leverage" is the noun acting as the object. It describes the act of applying influence or pressure strategically to achieve a desired outcome, similar to what Ludwig AI explains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Science & Research

3%

The Guardian - Books

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exert leverage" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that signifies the strategic application of influence to achieve a specific goal. Ludwig AI validates its usage across a range of formal contexts, particularly in news, business and encyclopedia sources. While its formality makes it less suited for casual conversation, understanding its nuances allows for precise communication in professional and academic settings. When considering alternatives, ensure that the replacement maintains the strategic intent implied by "exert leverage". Finally, consider the advice provided to use it strategically, since in some cases it can result too strong.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exert influence

Synonymous, but 'influence' is a more general term than 'leverage'.

apply influence

Highlights the application of influence, and it's more direct.

use influence

Simple and direct, lacks the strategic connotation of "leverage".

wield influence

Focuses more on the act of using influence, less about the mechanical advantage.

bring influence to bear

More formal and emphasizes the impact of the influence.

exercise control

Emphasizes direct control rather than indirect influence.

have sway over

Suggests a gentle but effective power to influence.

bring pressure to bear

Highlights the application of pressure, rather than the advantage.

apply pressure

Highlights the act of pressing someone to do something.

bring to bear

A shorter phrase for emphasis and relevance.

FAQs

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

You can use "exert leverage" to describe a situation where someone is strategically using their influence to achieve a specific outcome. For example, "The company can "exert leverage" in negotiations by highlighting its market share."

What's a good alternative to "exert leverage" in a formal setting?

In a formal setting, you could use alternatives like "apply influence", "exercise control", or "bring influence to bear", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "exert leverage" instead of "use influence"?

"Exert leverage" is more appropriate when you want to emphasize the strategic and calculated use of influence to gain a specific advantage. "Use influence" is a more general term.

Is "exert leverage" only used in business contexts?

No, while "exert leverage" is frequently used in business contexts, it can also be used in political, social, or even personal situations where someone is strategically using their influence to achieve a desired outcome.