gain clout

USAGE SUMMARY

"gain clout" is perfectly acceptable in written English.
It means to acquire influence or prestige, particularly in a professional setting. For example, "[He] spent years networking and organizing events to gain clout in his industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

They'll either gain clout or give it up — depending on whether they've made the right bet.

The New York Times

With the number of atheists steadily growing, it is conceivable that there could come a day when atheists gain clout.

The Guardian - Opinion

And just like Klausner's collective of followers had done, her critics were able to gain clout in a way that would never have been possible in another era.

The Washington Post

It could also complicate efforts to control health care costs: with reduced competition, the hospitals would gain clout in negotiating rates with insurance companies, potentially driving up costs for employers and employees across the region.

The New York Times

SHANGHAI — The Chinese government's largest investment in a Western company, a proposed $19.5 billion stake in the Australian-British mining giant Rio Tinto, collapsed Friday, dealing a blow to China's global corporate ambitions and its efforts to gain clout in the natural resources market.

The New York Times

If his ideas gain clout within the church, that could greatly improve the lot of the poor.One in six of England's state secondary schools has now broken away from the control of local authorities to become an "academy", and their numbers are expected to double in the coming year or so.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Municipalities and states gained clout.

The Economist

Navalny, who is thirty-nine, gained clout about five years ago.

The New Yorker

It gained clout and sympathy partly as a result of outrages like the Pará massacre.

The Economist

But the splashier, frothier event has gained clout and ratings, with almost 20m viewers last year.

The Guardian - Film

When one enlists the help of like-minded, similarly tempered coworkers, the strategic alliance gains clout.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gain clout", consider the specific area or context in which the influence is being acquired. Be precise about the means through which clout is being gained (e.g., networking, strategic alliances, successful projects).

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the degree of influence acquired. Ensure that claims of "gaining clout" are supported by concrete examples of increased authority or impact. Do not use the phrase if the increase in influence is merely perceived or potential.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gain clout" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of acquiring influence, power, or prestige. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples show it used to describe individuals, organizations, or even abstract concepts acquiring prominence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

40%

Science

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gain clout" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase that signifies acquiring influence or prestige. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for describing deliberate efforts to increase authority within a specific context. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources and formal business settings. When using "gain clout", ensure that the claims are supported by concrete examples and avoid exaggerating the extent of influence acquired. Consider alternatives like "acquire influence" or "build prestige" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acquire influence

Focuses more directly on obtaining influence, a key component of clout.

increase power

Emphasizes the augmentation of power, suggesting a rise in authority.

build prestige

Highlights the accumulation of respect and admiration.

enhance standing

Refers to improving one's position or reputation within a group or field.

develop leverage

Suggests the acquisition of a strategic advantage for negotiation or control.

strengthen authority

Emphasizes reinforcing existing authority or power.

expand reach

Focuses on broadening the scope of influence or impact.

cultivate influence

Implies a deliberate and sustained effort to develop influence.

assert dominance

Suggests taking a leading or controlling position.

establish prominence

Highlights the process of becoming well-known and important.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "gain clout" in a sentence?

Use "gain clout" to describe how an individual or organization has increased their influence, power, or standing within a particular context. For example: "By leading several successful projects, she began to "gain clout" within the company".

What are some alternatives to saying "gain clout"?

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, you can use alternatives like "acquire influence", "increase power", or "build prestige".

Is it grammatically correct to say "gaining clout"?

Yes, "gaining clout" is the present participle form of the verb phrase and is grammatically correct. It's commonly used to describe the process of acquiring influence or power over time.

What's the difference between "gain clout" and "gain influence"?

While both phrases are similar, "gain clout" often implies a more significant or recognized level of influence, potentially suggesting a degree of prestige or authority that gain influence might not fully capture.