exert leverage over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'exert leverage over' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to express the idea of having power or influence over a particular situation or thing. For example: The union sought to exert leverage over the company negotiating their new contract.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

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

Therefore, Russia will remain the greatest power broker in Syria, limiting Washington's ability to exert leverage over Syrian affairs and reducing wider American influence in the Middle East.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

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

Mr. Ovitz was once the city's top talent agent, exerting leverage over studios and networks in the 1980's and early 90's as chairman of the Creative Artists Agency, but he has had trouble realizing his grander ambition: to be not just a handler of stars, but an entertainment mogul in his own right.

The New York Times

They write that "once in power, the new leader is focused on ensuring his or her own political survival, a task that is often undermined by implementing the intervener's agenda". Given the difficulties U.S. officials faced in exerting leverage over Afghan and Iraqi leaders after establishing those governments, this should not be surprising to Americans.

The Washington Post

Yet this is a reflex that often prematurely cedes control to the powerful over whom he might otherwise be in a position to exert leverage.

Huffington Post

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

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider if a more direct verb like "control", "influence", or "pressure" might be more concise and impactful in your writing.

Common error

Avoid attributing the ability to "exert leverage over" something without specifying the source of that leverage. Vague statements weaken the argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exert leverage over" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of applying influence or pressure to achieve a desired outcome. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exert leverage over" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that signifies using power or influence to affect a situation or entity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and formal business settings. Alternatives such as "wield influence over" or "exercise control over" can provide similar meanings, while it's important to clearly identify the source of leverage when using the phrase in writing. Though versatile, it maintains a level of formality, making it less suited for informal conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wield influence over

This alternative uses "wield influence" instead of "exert leverage", focusing on the active application of influence.

exercise control over

This phrase replaces "exert leverage" with "exercise control", emphasizing direct management and command.

bring pressure to bear on

This alternative shifts the focus to applying pressure, suggesting a more forceful approach.

apply influence to

This phrase uses "apply influence" instead of "exert leverage", which is a more general way of affecting something.

bring influence to bear on

This phrase is a more formal way of saying that influence is being used to affect a situation or person.

gain dominance over

This alternative suggests a process of achieving a superior position of control.

establish dominance over

Focuses on setting up a position of power or control that wasn't there before.

hold sway over

Implies a persuasive and controlling influence, suggesting a softer power.

have authority over

Highlights a formal right to control or command.

gain leverage with

Suggests obtaining an advantage or means of influencing someone.

FAQs

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

You can use "exert leverage over" to describe a situation where someone is using their power or resources to influence someone or something. For example, "The union sought to "exert leverage over" the company during contract negotiations".

What does "exert leverage over" mean?

"Exert leverage over" means to use power or influence to affect someone or something, often to achieve a specific outcome or goal. It implies the application of pressure or control.

What are some alternatives to "exert leverage over"?

Some alternatives to "exert leverage over" include "wield influence over", "exercise control over", and "apply influence to". The best alternative depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "exert influence over" or "exert leverage over"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct, "exert influence over" is more general, while ""exert leverage over"" suggests using a specific advantage or resource to achieve a desired effect. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.