exert violence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exert violence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the action of using force, aggression, or physical harm against someone or something. For example: "The criminal attempted to exert violence on his victim in an effort to escape from the scene of the crime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

They exert violence only O.K., primarily in accordance with a strict set of codes and rituals.

The New Yorker

They exert violence only — O.K., primarily — in accordance with a strict set of codes and rituals.

The New Yorker

This first novelist fears no theme, however large; its good versus evil in Faulkner territory, and good succeeds only when its better armed than evil and willing to exert violence.

The New York Times - Books

This first novelist fears no theme, however large; it's good versus evil in Faulkner territory, and good succeeds only when it's better armed than evil and willing to exert violence.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Some purists even condemn the use of a rolling pin for exerting unnecessary violence upon the dough.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The business "always resorts to intimidation," he wrote in the study, published this month in the magazine Nexos, "and as a result, habitually exerts more violence than drug trafficking".

The New York Times

By exerting wet violence over your clothing, you seize control over your clothing, and, more abstractly, your right to your private property.

Huffington Post

However, it has been tamed in more subtle ways: ownership has shifted to pro-Beijing tycoons, and advertising has been used to exert pressure as have violence and intimidation.

The Economist

Acts of such spectacular violence exert unpredictable forces on the public and on the leaders who are charged with protecting it, transforming judgments of when and how to use force and decisions about what can be sacrificed in the name of security, as well as the definitions of citizenship, patriotism, and innocence.

The New Yorker

"The abuser exerts control, but violence is just one method of control," she explains.

The Guardian

The violence exerted against Joan, and her grim struggle with political opponents, now has an added resonance.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance your writing, consider replacing "exert violence" with a more descriptive alternative like "commit acts of violence" or "employ aggression" to reflect the precise nuance you wish to convey.

Common error

Ensure that sentences using "exert violence" clearly specify the subject performing the action. Vague attributions can lead to confusion and weaken the impact of your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exert violence" functions as a verb phrase where "exert" acts as a transitive verb taking "violence" as its direct object. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, as seen in various examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exert violence" is a grammatically correct and usable verb phrase that describes the act of applying force or aggression. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While relatively rare, it is most commonly found in news and media sources. Related phrases include "use force" and "employ aggression". When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying who is performing the action. Consider alternatives depending on the specific context to add precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perpetrate violence

This alternative emphasizes the role of the actor in carrying out the violence.

commit acts of violence

This alternative emphasizes the performance of violent actions, highlighting specific instances of harm.

exercise brutality

This alternative highlights the cruel and merciless nature of the violence.

employ aggression

This phrase focuses on the aggressive nature of the action, emphasizing the intent to dominate or harm.

use force

This alternative is more general, referring to the application of power or strength but not necessarily violent.

apply physical force

This phrase specifies the type of force used, focusing on physical actions.

unleash aggression

This phrase suggests a release of pent-up violent energy or behavior.

inflict harm

This alternative emphasizes the result of the action: the causing of damage or injury.

resort to violence

This alternative emphasizes that violence is being used as a method or option when all other options have failed.

wreak havoc

This phrase conveys a sense of widespread destruction and disorder caused by violence.

FAQs

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

You can use "exert violence" to describe situations where someone is using force, aggression, or physical harm against another. For example, "The bully tried to "exert violence" on the smaller child."

What are some alternatives to saying "exert violence"?

You can use alternatives like "use force", "employ aggression", or "commit acts of violence" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "exercise violence" or "exert violence"?

While both phrases can be used, "exert violence" is often preferred when referring to applying or wielding force. "Exercise violence" is more common in the context of having or displaying violent behavior.

What's the difference between "exert violence" and "inflict harm"?

"Exert violence" refers to the action of applying force, while "inflict harm" focuses on the result or damage caused by that action. You "exert violence" to "inflict harm".