financial weapons

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "financial weapons" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing economic strategies, tools, or tactics that have a significant impact on financial markets or economic conditions. Example: "In today's competitive landscape, companies are increasingly using financial weapons to gain an advantage over their rivals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Last year, Warren Buffett, America's most famous investor, called them "financial weapons of mass destruction".

The Economist

Mr. Buffett once described derivatives as "financial weapons of mass destruction".

The New York Times

Warren Buffett's warning in 2003 that derivatives were "financial weapons of mass destruction" was politely ignored.

The New York Times

WARREN BUFFETT, one of the world's most famous investors, once called derivatives "financial weapons of mass destruction".

The Economist

Warren E. Buffett was not engaging in hyperbole when he called these things financial weapons of mass destruction.

The New York Times

Inside the company, they were called the Friends of Enron, and they were among the energy company's secret financial weapons.

The New York Times

We are exporting – alongside the useful stuff – access to what Warren Buffett called "financial weapons of mass destruction".

The Guardian

(A tutorial on those "financial weapons of mass destruction," as Mr. Buffett once called them, was likely deemed too dark for the show's target demographic).

The New York Times

For the United States, taking down the bank was part of a long-running strategy of deploying financial weapons to fight terrorism.

The New York Times

As early as 2003, Warren Buffett, the renowned American investor and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, called them "financial weapons of mass destruction".

Encyclopedia Britannica

For someone who once called these instruments "financial weapons of mass destruction," the Oracle of Omaha has accumulated quite a portfolio.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "financial weapons", provide context about the specific instruments or strategies you are referring to. This ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "financial weapons" hyperbolically. Reserve it for situations where the financial actions have significant and potentially destabilizing consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "financial weapons" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject or object in sentences. Ludwig AI indicates it's frequently associated with negative connotations, particularly in describing high-risk or potentially destructive financial instruments. For instance, it can be used to describe derivatives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "financial weapons" is a noun phrase often used to describe high-risk or potentially destructive financial instruments and strategies. Ludwig AI shows it’s grammatically correct and frequently used, primarily in news and business contexts, with a neutral register. While the phrase conveys a negative connotation, it serves to highlight the potential for harm and the need for caution in the financial world. It is most often used in the news, with less usage in encyclopedias and formal business settings. Alternatives include "high-risk investment vehicles" or "aggressive investment tactics", depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

economic warfare tools

Focuses on the aggressive, combative nature of certain financial tactics.

monetary policy instruments

Highlights the use of financial tools by governments to manage the economy.

fiscal policy measures

Emphasizes government actions related to spending and taxation.

high-risk investment vehicles

Points to the inherent danger and potential for loss associated with certain financial products.

complex financial instruments

Draws attention to the intricate and sometimes opaque nature of specific financial tools.

sophisticated trading strategies

Emphasizes the advanced and often complicated approaches used in financial markets.

aggressive investment tactics

Highlights the boldness and risk-taking involved in certain financial maneuvers.

financial leverage techniques

Focuses on the use of debt to amplify returns, which can also increase risk.

market manipulation strategies

Points to tactics used to artificially inflate or deflate the price of assets.

predatory lending practices

Highlights unethical or abusive lending behaviors.

FAQs

How are "financial weapons" used in a sentence?

You can use "financial weapons" to describe strategies or instruments that have a significant and potentially harmful impact on an economy or a company, for example, "Derivatives were described as "financial weapons of mass destruction" during the 2008 crisis".

What's the difference between "financial instruments" and "financial weapons"?

"Financial instruments" is a broad term for tools used in finance, while "financial weapons" implies a more aggressive, potentially destructive use of those instruments.

What are some examples of strategies considered "financial weapons"?

Examples include unregulated derivatives, predatory lending practices, and market manipulation strategies.

What can I say instead of "financial weapons"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "high-risk investment vehicles", "aggressive investment tactics", or "complex financial instruments".