increase sway

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "increase sway" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the enhancement of influence or power over a situation or group. Example: "The new policy is expected to increase sway among the decision-makers in the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Tai Chi involves the practice of shifting to the limits of stability (thus training someone to increase sway), whereas the balance index penalizes those who sway when perturbed.

Clinical interventions in aging

Variability of muscle force would increase even more when antagonistic cocontraction would be increased (Selen et al. 2005) which, given the fact that stiffening the trunk does not limit kinematic variability in the present task, could further increase sway amplitudes.

European Journal of Applied Physiology

It was proposed that this was due to the individuals with diminished balance being unable to increase sway without exceeding their limits of stability and indirectly suggests a posture first strategy.

BioMed Research International

Slower responses to balance perturbation would increase sway amplitude (Radebold et al. 2001) and likely decrease sway frequency in the unperturbed task and would also increase the amplitude and reduce the recovery in the perturbed task (Reeves et al. 2009).

European Journal of Applied Physiology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Deep brain stimulation restored a more normal postural sway and levodopa increased sway abnormalities.

Gait & Posture

Weakness was directly associated with falls, and had an indirect effect mediated through increased sway.

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

The Netherlands is not the only European state that has expressed discomfort with Turkey's increasing sway over its diaspora.

The Washington Post

It was at this time, also, that black slaves were brought in and French smugglers held increasing sway.

The New York Times - Science

The results show that improvements of more than 50% can be achieved with respect to increasing sway or torsional modes.

Tribology International

The use of a suicide bomber to open a rebel offensive also shows the increasing sway of extremist groups in areas close to the capital.

The New York Times

Bradford, Oldham and Burnley had geographically concentrated Muslim communities of Pakistani/Bangladeshi origin who had felt threatened by far-right groups, which held increasing sway over poor white working-class communities next door.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "increase sway" in a scientific or technical context, ensure the type of sway (e.g. postural, body) is clearly specified for precision.

Common error

Avoid using "increase sway" when the intended meaning is to gain influence or power in a social or political context, unless there is a direct link to instability or physical movement. Use more appropriate phrases like "gain influence" or "expand power" instead.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "increase sway" is a verb + noun phrase, where "increase" acts as a transitive verb and "sway" functions as the direct object. Ludwig AI confirms that this structure aligns with standard English grammar.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "increase sway" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the act of enlarging or intensifying movement, influence, or instability. Ludwig AI validates this. While relatively rare, it appears in both scientific and news contexts, requiring careful attention to the intended meaning. When writing, ensure the context is clear and consider whether alternative phrases like "amplify influence" or "heighten instability" might be more appropriate. Consider that the use of the phrase could denote the increase of a physical condition or a metaphorical increase of an abstract concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

amplify influence

Focuses on the extent of influence rather than a physical movement or instability.

enhance power

Emphasizes the strengthening of control or authority.

exert greater control

Highlights the active application of control over something.

heighten instability

Shifts the focus to the increase of instability, often in a physical context.

augment dominance

Suggests a rise in a position of superiority or command.

expand authority

Refers to the broadening of one's legitimate power.

escalate prevalence

Highlights the growing widespread existence or occurrence of something.

magnify effect

Focuses on making an effect or impact larger or more noticeable.

intensify impact

Emphasizes making a forceful impression or effect.

promote unsteadiness

Highlights the act of fostering a lack of stability.

FAQs

How is "increase sway" used in the context of balance and posture?

In balance and posture, "increase sway" refers to the act of deliberately or involuntarily enlarging the range of movement while standing. For example, physical therapy might aim to "increase sway" within safe limits to improve stability.

When is it appropriate to use "increase sway" in a political or social context?

Using "increase sway" is suitable in social or political contexts when describing the rising influence or control of a person, group, or ideology. Be mindful to consider more common alternatives like "gain influence" or "expand power" when writing.

What does "increase sway" mean in engineering or construction?

In engineering or construction, "increase sway" may refer to a structure's amplified movement or oscillation due to external forces like wind or seismic activity. Engineers often design structures to withstand or minimize such "increase sway".

What are some potential negative connotations of "increase sway"?

The phrase "increase sway" can imply a loss of control or stability, particularly in discussions related to health or structural integrity. In political contexts, it could suggest manipulative or undue influence. Consider using alternative phrasing like "enhance authority" or "expand power" if you want to avoid negative associations.