gain leverage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gain leverage" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to refer to the act of gaining an advantage or increased power in order to influence or persuade someone. For example: The company used its special contacts to gain leverage in negotiations with the union.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's to gain leverage in negotiations.

The New York Times - Sports

Were abductions used to gain leverage for amnesty?

The New York Times

"It wants to use Media Player to gain leverage in the work group server market.

The New York Times

Both India and Pakistan have used missile tests to gain leverage in diplomatic talks.

The New York Times

The aim is to attach costs to brutality and gain leverage.

The New York Times

Partly this is in order to gain leverage over the EU in accession talks.

The Economist

Rules are contested so that one group of political actors can gain leverage over another.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If so, the players will gain leverage in future talks with the owners.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Reid's position could be a bluff to gain leverage to force the nominees through.

The New York Times

We need to turn this to our advantage to gain leverage in diplomacy.

The New York Times

The maneuver involves grabbing the haunch of an opponent to gain leverage.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "gain leverage", ensure the context clearly indicates what advantage is being sought and how it will be used to influence a situation or negotiation.

Common error

Avoid assuming that any action automatically translates to increased leverage. Clearly define the resources, relationships, or information that provide the advantage you're aiming to achieve.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gain leverage" functions as a verb phrase, where 'gain' is the main verb and 'leverage' is the direct object. It describes the action of acquiring an advantage or power to influence a situation. Ludwig AI confirms that this usage is correct and appropriate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

25%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gain leverage" is a versatile and commonly used expression that describes the process of acquiring an advantage to influence situations or negotiations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. As evidenced by the numerous examples provided, the phrase appears most frequently in news and media, but is relevant to business and encyclopedic contexts as well. To use the phrase effectively, be mindful of the specific context and the source of the leverage. To avoid common errors, ensure that the connection between your actions and the acquisition of leverage is clear. Alternatives such as "increase influence" or "secure an advantage" can provide nuanced variations depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increase influence

Focuses on enhancing persuasive power rather than a strategic advantage.

acquire influence

Emphasizes obtaining influence, similar to gaining leverage.

secure an advantage

Highlights the achievement of a beneficial position.

obtain an edge

Stresses getting a slight advantage over others.

build influence

Suggests a gradual process of developing persuasive capacity.

create an opportunity

Focuses on generating a chance to improve one's situation or advance a cause.

exploit a weakness

Implies using an opponent's vulnerability to one's own benefit.

find an opening

Highlights discovering a strategic gap or opportunity.

exert pressure

Emphasizes applying force or influence to achieve a specific outcome.

gain control

Implies acquiring the power to direct or manage something.

FAQs

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

You can use "gain leverage" to describe efforts to improve one's position in a negotiation, argument, or other situation where influence is key. For example, "The company aimed to "gain leverage" by acquiring a key patent."

What are some alternative phrases to "gain leverage"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "increase influence", "secure an advantage", or "obtain an edge", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "gain leverage" or "acquire leverage"?

Both "gain leverage" and "acquire leverage" are acceptable. "Gain leverage" implies a process of improvement, while "acquire leverage" suggests obtaining something that was previously lacking. The best choice depends on the context.

What's the difference between "gain leverage" and "exert pressure"?

"Gain leverage" refers to improving one's position to influence a situation, while "exert pressure" describes the direct application of influence to achieve a specific outcome. Gaining leverage is often a precursor to exerting pressure.