have leverage over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have leverage over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing power dynamics or influence that one party has over another in various contexts, such as negotiations or relationships. Example: "The company has leverage over its suppliers due to its large market share, allowing it to negotiate better prices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

We have leverage over Saudi Arabia if we choose to use it.

Huffington Post

Brussels and Washington have leverage over Warsaw.

The Guardian - Opinion

Bottom line: Nuclear suppliers have leverage over China.

The New York Times

Did the Russian government attempt to cultivate Trump as an asset or have leverage over him?

The Washington Post

American and European officials also have leverage over Bangladesh because they grant special tariff and quota benefits to the country.

The New York Times

"The Americans have no leverage over Sharif, only the Saudis have leverage over Sharif," said the Pakistani official.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

And the central bank has leverage over the banking system.

The New York Times

A benevolent explanation is that it has leverage over its ally, Armenia.

The Economist

Police also had leverage over Griggs: he was a heroin addict.

The Guardian

It was unclear who had given him time, but whoever it was clearly had leverage over his decisions.

The New Yorker

— reveal how uncertain even leading members of the Republican Party are about who, exactly, has leverage over whom.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have leverage over", ensure the context clearly defines the source and nature of the leverage. Specify what gives one party an advantage over the other for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "have leverage over" without specifying the basis of the leverage. For example, instead of saying "They have leverage over the company", specify "They have leverage over the company because they control key resources".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have leverage over" functions as a verb phrase indicating the possession of an advantage or influence that can be used to affect someone or something. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have leverage over" is a commonly used expression to describe a situation where one party holds an advantage or influence over another. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for use in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. When using this phrase, it's important to clearly define the source of the leverage for better clarity. Alternatives such as "wield influence over" or "exert control over" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wield influence over

Focuses on the active use of influence, suggesting a deliberate exertion of power.

exert control over

Emphasizes direct control or command over someone or something.

hold sway over

Suggests a persuasive or dominant influence, often in a more subtle way.

exercise authority over

Highlights the formal right or power to give orders and enforce obedience.

have power over

A more general term indicating the ability to affect or control someone or something.

command influence over

Indicates that someone or something naturally attracts or has earned influence.

dominate

Suggests a supreme or overriding influence, often implying a lack of resistance.

have the upper hand

Implies a position of advantage or superiority in a competitive situation.

hold the reins

Highlights control, particularly in a managerial or leadership context.

be in a commanding position

Focuses on having a strategic advantage that allows control or influence.

FAQs

What does it mean to "have leverage over" someone?

To "have leverage over" someone means to possess an advantage or influence that can be used to affect their actions or decisions. It implies a power dynamic where one party can exert some control over another.

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

You can use "have leverage over" to indicate that someone has an advantage. For example, "The company "has leverage over" its suppliers due to its large market share".

What are some alternatives to saying "have leverage over"?

Alternatives include phrases like "wield influence over", "exert control over", or "hold sway over", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "have leverage over"?

The phrase is suitable in contexts involving power dynamics, negotiations, or situations where one entity possesses an advantage. This can include business deals, political relationships, or even personal interactions.