have an upper hand

USAGE SUMMARY

"have an upper hand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone has an advantage in a situation. For example, "John has an upper hand in the negotiations because he's more experienced than his opponent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

They do have an upper hand in their own countries.

Harvard University

In that respect, Cayard may have an upper hand.

The New York Times - Sports

"India had to have an upper hand sexually as well".

The New York Times

But given their head start, Stoller says, conservatives "will certainly have an upper hand". Again.

The New York Times

The film ends unresolved, but cautiously upbeat — solidarity seemed to have an upper hand.

The New Yorker

But given their head start, Stoller says, conservatives "will certainly have an upper hand".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Hence, people with morals have a upper hand over harassers as moral strength renders great strength in the middle of a fight, argument or any difficulty.

WikiHow

When someone has an upper hand is very disconcerting.

The Guardian

Each side believes it has an upper hand.

The New York Times

Mr. Kirk, 51, was once seen by some as having an upper hand.

The New York Times

After years of being an underdog pushing its troops to be better and faster, Bloomberg now has an upper hand.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing competitive scenarios, use "have an upper hand" to denote a clear advantage one party possesses over another. For example, in negotiations, the party with more leverage might "have an upper hand".

Common error

Avoid using "have an upper hand" when the advantage is minor or insignificant. It's best suited for scenarios where the benefit is substantial and clearly impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have an upper hand" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the possession of an advantage or a position of control in a given situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have an upper hand" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate a significant advantage. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic settings. While "have an upper hand" is widely applicable, it's important to ensure the advantage is substantial to avoid overstatement. Related phrases include "hold an advantage", "gain the edge", and "be in a favorable position", offering nuances in meaning. Remember to use this phrase when there's a clear and impactful benefit to accurately convey the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Have the advantage

This alternative is a more direct and concise way of expressing the idea of possessing a benefit.

Hold an advantage

This alternative is more general, simply stating a benefit without specifying superiority.

Have a strategic advantage

This alternative emphasizes a planned and calculated benefit.

Gain the edge

This alternative focuses on obtaining a slight advantage over someone.

Be ahead of the curve

This alternative focuses on being more advanced or prepared than others.

Be in a favorable position

This alternative highlights a beneficial situation, without necessarily implying dominance.

Be in control

This alternative emphasizes authority and command over a situation.

Be in a leading position

This alternative is focuses on being ahead of others, often in a competitive context.

Dominate the situation

This alternative suggests a more forceful and comprehensive control.

Command the field

This alternative suggests mastery and influence over a specific area or domain.

FAQs

How can I use "have an upper hand" in a sentence?

You can use "have an upper hand" to indicate that someone or something has an advantage over another. For example, "Because of his experience, John "has an upper hand" in the competition".

What's the difference between "have an upper hand" and "have the advantage"?

While both phrases indicate a beneficial position, "have an upper hand" often implies a more significant or decisive advantage than simply "have the advantage". The former suggests a stronger likelihood of success.

What can I say instead of "have an upper hand"?

You can use alternatives like "hold an advantage", "gain the edge", or "be in a favorable position" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "having an upper hand"?

Yes, "having an upper hand" is grammatically correct. It is the gerund form of the phrase, often used as a noun or part of a continuous verb tense. For example, "Having an upper hand allowed him to win the negotiation".