looking for leverage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looking for leverage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is seeking an advantage or a means to influence a situation or outcome. Example: "In negotiations, we are always looking for leverage to strengthen our position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

And Republicans looking for leverage have alternatives.

The Economist

"We're looking for leverage on a lot of things.

The New York Times

Publishers, looking for leverage against Amazon, saw Apple as their white knight.

The New York Times

"He's looking for leverage with the Chinese and he's trying to needle them.

The Guardian

They tugged and twisted each other, looking for leverage, each trying to knock the other off balance.

The New York Times

"I think they did it because they were looking for leverage, and they want something to hold over the kids".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

In such a fight, a creditor looks for leverage wherever it can find it.

The New York Times

In between, Wang looked for leverage, even taking the Islanders to Kansas City, Mo., for an exhibition game.

The New York Times - Sports

The Obama team's logic is that they are sick and tired, understandably, of Republicans wanting to make every single issue, every policy debate, about the deficit issue, and they don't want our country to keep lurching from fiscal crisis to fiscal crisis as Republicans continue to look for "leverage" to force more cuts.

Huffington Post

Another approach by the administration in looking for political leverage is to warn that failing to lift the debt ceiling puts the incomes of the elderly at risk.

The New York Times

By delaying approval of the project, the prime minister may be looking for some leverage with France as Britain begins talks about leaving the EU.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "looking for leverage", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific advantage or influence is being sought. Providing details enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "looking for leverage" when simply seeking information or assistance. The phrase implies a strategic intent to gain an advantage, not just a desire for help.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking for leverage" functions as a verbal phrase often used as part of a clause, indicating an active search for an advantage or means of influence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "looking for leverage" is a commonly used expression indicating an active search for an advantage or means of influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, business, and formal settings, the phrase conveys a strategic intent to gain control or a more favorable position. When using "looking for leverage", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific advantage sought to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seeking an advantage

Focuses more generally on obtaining a beneficial position without necessarily implying manipulation or control.

searching for influence

Highlights the pursuit of affecting outcomes or decisions, rather than direct control.

aiming to gain control

Emphasizes the goal of dominance and authority over a situation or entity.

trying to find a bargaining chip

Specifically refers to seeking something that can be used to negotiate or trade for a desired outcome.

exploring opportunities for control

Suggests an investigation of different possibilities of getting control in some situation.

pursuing a strategic advantage

Highlights the intentional and planned nature of seeking a beneficial position.

identifying a pressure point

Focuses on finding a specific area or issue where influence can be exerted effectively.

exploiting a weakness

Carries a negative connotation, suggesting the use of vulnerabilities to gain an upper hand.

finding a tactical edge

Implies gaining a slight advantage in a competitive situation.

attempting to sway

Focuses solely on trying to persuade or influence someone's opinion or decision.

FAQs

How can I use "looking for leverage" in a sentence?

You can use "looking for leverage" in sentences where someone is trying to gain an advantage or influence a situation. For example, "The company is "looking for leverage" in negotiations with the supplier."

What are some alternatives to "looking for leverage"?

Alternatives to "looking for leverage" include "seeking an advantage", "searching for influence", or "trying to find a bargaining chip", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "looking for leverage"?

It is appropriate to use "looking for leverage" when you want to convey that someone is actively seeking a way to exert influence or gain an upper hand in a particular situation, often in negotiations or strategic planning.

Is "looking for leverage" a formal or informal expression?

"Looking for leverage" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more common in professional and news-related discussions. The formality depends on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the communication.