leverage something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leverage something" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is generally used to mean "to use something to create a desired advantage." For example, "The company was able to leverage their new product to enter the international market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"The pick is a historic pick, and you want to leverage something like this as much as you can".

The New York Times

This is just the latest education-focused project trying to leverage something fun to teach something complex.

TechCrunch

While this is one more step away from gaming for Rovio, it's still looking to leverage something else the company has really nailed with its Angry Birds franchise: interactivity.

TechCrunch

But the most successful crowdfunding campaigns leverage something even more important than the beauty or cool factor of the product – they harness the Ikea Effect, which dramatically increases the value of a product to customers by involving them in the creation process.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

While other apps may be leveraging context, Meh is leveraging something greater than that: complete and utter disinterest.

TechCrunch

The common storyline was this: the e-mail account was created for a young, highly supervised child — and it's that same child, several years later, who's leveraging something his parents don't think about much anymore into something they didn't expect.

The New York Times

And unlike the Rift or Vive, which requires an additional investment of a $2,000 gaming PC, mobile VR leverages something most consumers already own — a smartphone.

TechCrunch

*Core "might involve leveraging something the company does well into a different space to generate new revenue streams," Tuff notes.

Huffington Post

*Adjacent moves occupy the middle ground between core and transformational innovations and involve leveraging something a company does well into a new space.

Huffington Post

Most observers do not see this as an insurmountable hurdle, but some countries could use the opening to seek better trade terms or as leverage on something else.

The Guardian - Business

"They are trying to build up leverage for something, politically and psychologically, for negotiations with the United States," said Ivan P. Hall, author of "Cartels of the Mind" (Norton, 1997), an exploration of Japanese protectionism.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to emphasize the strategic use of a resource or asset to achieve a specific goal, use "leverage something". For instance, "They plan to "leverage something" unique, like their customer service, to stand out."

Common error

While "leverage something" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can sound cliché. Consider using more precise verbs like "utilize", "capitalize on", or "harness" for a more impactful message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leverage something" functions as a verb phrase where "leverage" is a transitive verb requiring a direct object, "something". As Ludwig AI indicates, it's used to describe the act of using a resource or advantage strategically to achieve a desired outcome. Example: "Leverage data is something completely new."

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "leverage something" is a grammatically sound and acceptably common expression used to describe the strategic utilization of assets or resources to gain an advantage. As supported by Ludwig AI, it is prevalent in neutral to professional contexts, particularly within news and media. While versatile, it's essential to consider its potential for overuse in overly formal settings, opting for more specific alternatives such as "capitalize", "utilize", or "harness" when appropriate. The provided examples and related phrases offer a comprehensive understanding of its usage, nuances, and potential substitutes, ensuring effective and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make use of something

A general way of saying to use something in a practical way.

capitalize on something

Focuses more on taking advantage of an opportunity.

utilize something

A more formal and neutral way of saying to use something.

take advantage of something

Similar to capitalizing, but can sometimes imply a negative connotation.

harness something

Suggests controlling and using something, often a natural resource or energy.

tap into something

Suggests accessing and using a resource or potential that already exists.

draw on something

Implies using something as a resource or source of support.

exploit something

Implies using something, sometimes unfairly, for one's own benefit.

build on something

Suggests using something as a foundation for further development.

play on something

Focuses on using something to influence or manipulate.

FAQs

How can I use "leverage something" in a sentence?

You can use "leverage something" to indicate using a specific asset or advantage to achieve a particular outcome. For example, "The company aims to "leverage its brand" to expand into new markets".

What are some alternatives to "leverage something"?

Alternatives include "capitalize on something", "utilize something", or "take advantage of something", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "leverage something" in academic writing?

While acceptable, "leverage something" can sometimes sound informal. Consider using more precise and formal alternatives like "employ something" or "utilize something" in academic contexts.

What's the difference between "leverage something" and "exploit something"?

"Leverage something" generally implies a strategic and positive use of an asset, while "exploit something" often carries a negative connotation, suggesting unfair or unethical use.