he has clout

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he has clout" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has influence or power in a particular context, often in social, political, or business settings. Example: "In the world of politics, he has clout, which allows him to sway decisions in his favor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But as the top Democrat in the Senate between 1994 and 2004, he has clout on Capitol Hill.

The Economist

But Mr. Beck is a boldface name; he has clout, and several other small TV channels have associated themselves with celebrities for similar reasons, such as Revolt, a cable channel led by the hip-hop star Sean Combs.

The New York Times

He has clout.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"He had clout.

The New York Times

Greenspan had proved that he had clout.

The Guardian - Business

He had clout in the wider world, too, which may be why mourners at the funeral on May 8th included America's previous, current and next presidents.

The Economist

But bouncing back from The Counselor, Scott's new film, Exodus: Gods and Kings, demonstrates that he still has clout: a $200m budget production for 20th Century Fox, part of the Hollywood studios' current dash for the faith market which earlier in 2014 saw Paramount release the $125m Noah, with a cast led by the notoriously truculent Christian Bale.

The Guardian - Film

He added, "Al Hubbard not only has clout with the vast network of Governor Daniels' supporters, but also carries weight with policy makers and thought leaders nationally".

The New York Times

"The EU has clout.

The Guardian - Business

But the material has clout.

The New York Times

At Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, Corey Pavin has clout.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he has clout", ensure that the context clearly indicates the source and extent of his influence. Providing specific examples of his actions or decisions will make the statement more impactful.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the extent of someone's "clout". Ensure your claims are supported by evidence and avoid making unsubstantiated assertions about their power or influence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he has clout" functions as a statement asserting someone's influence or power. Ludwig shows that this phrase is used to describe individuals who can significantly impact decisions or outcomes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he has clout" is a grammatically correct and readily understandable expression indicating that someone possesses considerable influence or power. Predominantly used in neutral contexts such as news and media, it describes individuals capable of significantly affecting decisions or outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and offers context-rich examples that showcase the phrase's practical application. While not overly formal, it is advisable to use more sophisticated synonyms like "he wields considerable influence" in formal writing. Overstating someone's clout should be avoided. Overall, "he has clout" is a concise and effective way to convey that an individual is influential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he wields influence

This alternative uses "wields influence" to convey the idea of having and exerting power.

he carries weight

This phrase suggests that his opinions and decisions are significant and impactful.

he possesses authority

This option uses "possesses authority" to highlight his formal or recognized power.

he is influential

This alternative replaces the noun "clout" with the adjective "influential".

he has leverage

This suggests he can use certain advantages to achieve desired outcomes.

he commands respect

This implies that his influence stems from the respect he receives.

he holds sway

This alternative employs "holds sway" to mean he has persuasive power.

he is a power broker

This phrase indicates he is a key player in negotiations and decision-making.

he makes things happen

This expresses that he can effectively bring about results.

he is a force to be reckoned with

This alternative suggests he is someone whose power cannot be ignored.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "he has clout"?

Saying "he has clout" means that the person has significant influence or power, especially in a particular field or social circle. It suggests that person's opinions or actions carry weight and can affect outcomes.

What can I say instead of "he has clout"?

You can use alternatives like "he wields influence", "he carries weight", or "he is influential" depending on the context.

How do I use "he has clout" in a sentence?

Use "he has clout" when you want to emphasize someone's ability to affect decisions or outcomes due to their power or influence. For example: "As a senior senator, he has clout on Capitol Hill."

Is it appropriate to use "he has clout" in formal writing?

While "he has clout" is widely understood, it might be more suitable for informal or journalistic writing. In formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "he wields considerable influence" or "he possesses significant authority".