give clout

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "give clout" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in informal contexts to refer to granting influence or power to someone, often in social or professional situations. Example: "By endorsing her project, he was able to give her clout in the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

In November 2010 he set up a bureau of food security in the government's main aid agency, US-AID, to provide money and give clout to the promise.America bullied other countries into following suit.

The Economist

To this end, a number of platforms - such as Blue Meridian Partners and The END Fund in the U.S. - collate donations to give clout to their cause.

Forbes

"They create and preserve myths that give clout to their work". It would seem appropriate, then, that the author has turned the artists she profiles into actors on a stage.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Averting the Old Age Crisis" became the reference point for the Bank's approach one given clout by its lending power.

The Economist

One idea is the revival of something like the PCC, but with a statutory underpinning to give it clout.

The Economist

But neither deal would give it clout in America, where it has hunted for merger partners but found no takers.

The Economist

Mr Rudd was banking on Parliament's approving it in time to give him clout at the Copenhagen climate talks that start on December 7th.

The Economist

It was also supposed to give it clout with corporations that were also seeking printers, servers, storage and data management services.

The New York Times - Tech

"We think this will give us clout to contend with the GI and SA guys,".

Forbes

We haven't created these movements, or engaged enough people to give them clout.

Huffington Post

Its growing market gives it clout.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "give clout" when you want to emphasize the act of granting or bestowing influence or power, often to strengthen a position or argument.

Common error

Avoid using "give clout" when referring to direct authority or legal power. The phrase implies indirect influence rather than formal control.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "give clout" functions as a verb phrase where "give" is the verb and "clout" is the direct object. It indicates the action of bestowing influence or power upon someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "give clout" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that means to grant influence or power. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that while the phrase is not extremely common, it is used across reputable sources such as The Economist, Forbes, and The New York Times. Its primary function is to describe the act of empowering or strengthening someone's position or argument. While "give clout" isn't highly formal, it fits well in neutral contexts like news reporting and business discussions. Alternative phrases such as "grant authority to" or "empower" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

empower

A shorter, more direct synonym emphasizing the act of enabling someone to act.

grant authority to

This alternative emphasizes the formal bestowal of power or the right to act.

confer influence on

This phrase highlights the act of bestowing indirect power or persuasive ability.

bestow power upon

This option suggests a formal or ceremonial granting of strength or control.

bolster the influence of

This alternative focuses on strengthening existing influence.

lend weight to

This implies adding credibility or significance to something.

add leverage to

This phrase indicates providing an advantage or increased bargaining power.

enhance the standing of

This suggests improving someone's reputation or position.

provide an advantage to

This alternative indicates giving a beneficial position or opportunity.

increase the prestige of

This focuses on elevating the perceived value or importance of something.

FAQs

How can I use "give clout" in a sentence?

You can use "give clout" to describe actions that increase someone's influence. For example, "Endorsements from celebrities can "give clout" to a political campaign."

What can I say instead of "give clout"?

You can use alternatives like "grant authority to", "confer influence on", or "empower" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "give clout to" or "give influence to"?

"Give clout to" is more specific, implying the granting of strategic advantage or leverage. "Give influence to" is a broader term indicating a general increase in persuasive power.

What's the difference between "give clout" and "give authority"?

"Give authority" implies granting formal, recognized power, while ""give clout"" refers to providing informal influence or leverage that may not be officially recognized.