gain leverage over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gain leverage over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one party seeks to obtain an advantage or influence over another party, often in negotiations or competitive situations. Example: "The company aimed to gain leverage over its competitors by investing in innovative technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

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

Republicans are likely to find new ways to gain leverage over Democrats.

The New York Times

If she grants the injunction, and the lockout is lifted, players will gain leverage over owners in future talks.

The New York Times - Sports

This is particularly troublesome given that doctors' role as patient advocates is being undermined as health insurers gain leverage over care decisions.

The New York Times

Southwest fears that if consumers get into the habit of shopping for Southwest tickets on Orbitz, the site could ultimately gain leverage over the airline.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Although the tactic appeared aimed at gaining leverage over Microsoft, such a tie-up with Google, the world's largest search engine, could run afoul of antitrust regulations.

The New York Times

"When Kim Jong-un was allowed to split the negotiations into separate tracks with Trump and Moon, he gained leverage over both," Mount wrote on Twitter.

The Guardian

A diplomat said the following to me the other day, and I thought it summed up Pakistan perfectly: "Pakistani foreign policy is geared mainly toward gaining leverage over the United States".

The New Yorker

They offered data showing that CD prices in Europe fell more than 5percentt from 1999 to 2002, the executive said, and they argued that large retailers, including supermarkets, had gained leverage over the music labels when it came to setting prices.

The New York Times

However, this thesis argues that the EU Trade Commissioner's decision to supply protection in this case is the result of a foreign policy goal: gaining leverage over China and his strategies for achieving this goal.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Contextualize the power dynamic involved when using "gain leverage over". Explain the situation and the relationship between the parties involved to illustrate the implications of acquiring this leverage.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "gain leverage over" automatically implies unethical behavior. While it can be used manipulatively, it often refers to strategic advantage achieved through legitimate means, such as negotiation or innovation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gain leverage over" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of acquiring influence or advantage over someone or something. It describes a process of positioning oneself to exert greater control or achieve desired outcomes. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gain leverage over" is a versatile phrase used to describe the act of acquiring influence or advantage, often in competitive or negotiative contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various domains. It's most frequently found in news and media, but also appears in formal business settings. Related phrases include "acquire influence over" and "secure an advantage over", offering nuanced alternatives. To use the phrase effectively, clearly define the actions taken to achieve leverage and contextualize the power dynamics involved. Avoid assuming that its use always implies unethical behavior. By understanding its proper usage and potential implications, you can enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acquire influence over

Focuses on the acquisition of influence rather than the specific mechanism of leverage.

secure an advantage over

Highlights the attainment of a beneficial position compared to others.

exert control over

Emphasizes the exercise of power and command.

increase influence on

Focuses on augmenting existing influence.

establish dominance over

Suggests a more comprehensive and sustained form of control.

obtain an upper hand over

Emphasizes gaining a superior position in a competitive situation.

win concessions from

Highlights gaining something through negotiation.

get the better of

A more informal expression for overcoming someone.

become more powerful than

Describes the growth of power in relation to another entity.

build a stronger position against

Emphasizes preparation and strategic advantage in anticipation of conflict or competition.

FAQs

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

You can use "gain leverage over" to describe how one entity obtains an advantage or influence over another. For example, "The company aimed to "gain leverage over" its competitors by investing in innovative technology".

What are some alternatives to "gain leverage over"?

Alternatives include "acquire influence over", "secure an advantage over", or "exert control over", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to "gain leverage over" someone?

Not necessarily. While "gain leverage over" can imply manipulation, it often refers to strategic advantage achieved through legitimate means like negotiation or innovation. The context determines the ethical implications.

What's the difference between "gain influence over" and "gain leverage over"?

"Gain influence over" generally refers to increasing one's ability to affect someone's decisions or actions. "Gain leverage over" implies acquiring a specific advantage that can be used to exert influence, often in negotiations or competitive situations. You can "gain influence over" someone through expertise, but "gain leverage over" them by controlling a key resource.