manipulation

USAGE SUMMARY

'manipulation' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to the act of controlling or influencing something or someone to one's own advantage, often in an unfair or dishonest way. For example: "The CEO used manipulation in order to gain control of the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ukraine also employs internet manipulation as a tactic, albeit a little more publicly.

The Guardian

This has led to accusations of cover-ups and manipulation.

The Guardian

The lanky, affable Krasinski then spent he better part of a minute untying his tongue on the subject of cinematic manipulation and why it was a Bad Thing, all the while wiggling his feet, as if awaiting rescue from the school bell.

The Guardian - Film

The result of this perfectly legal manipulation is that, in the words of Game of Thrones author George RR Martin, "The Sad Puppies have broken the Hugo awards, and I am not sure they can ever be repaired".

The Guardian - Opinion

Due to a decade of tri-annual BBC2 exposure, dogged Dantean circuits of provincial comedy venues, conscious manipulation of vulnerable broadsheet opinion formers and undeserved good luck, I am now popular enough to have caught the eye of touts or, as we now dignify them, Secondary Ticketing Agents™.

The Guardian - Opinion

Gormly raised another possibility, asking Murray "whether you consider, having heard that one story is going to one psychiatrist, another is going to another psychiatrist, that there is some manipulation going on there".

The Guardian

António Horta-Osório, Lloyds' boss, apologised for the interest rate manipulation, which saw the bank hit with a bill of £226m on Monday.

The Guardian - Business

An orderly mechanism for exiting from the eurozone should be devised and then essentially be removed from manipulation by national elites.

The Guardian - Opinion

She had no time for the manipulation that can go on in the director-actor relationship.

The Guardian - Film

The committee had passed a package of four separate bills related to trade, including one to prevent currency manipulation by China.

The Guardian

We focused on this area because of the judgment required in accounting for the commercial income deals and the risk of manipulation of these balances".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "manipulation" to describe situations where someone is being controlled unfairly. It is a strong word that suggests wrongdoing.

Common error

Ensure that the use of "manipulation" aligns with its negative connotation. Overusing the word can weaken its impact or misrepresent the situation. Consider "strategic planning" or "influence" if there is no ill intent.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "manipulation" is as a noun. It refers to the act or process of manipulating something or someone. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which validates its usage in diverse contexts as demonstrated in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

24%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "manipulation" is a common noun used to describe acts of control or influence, often with negative implications. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts, particularly in news, business, and scientific domains. While the term carries negative connotations, understanding its nuances—and choosing appropriate alternatives when necessary—is key to precise and ethical communication. Use related terms like "strategic maneuvering" or "cunning exploitation" to add a specific touch. Remember, it's important not to overuse the word or use it in neutral contexts to avoid weakening its impact. Given its register is neutral, its use across a wide number of contexts indicates a generally professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deceptive practices

Highlights the misleading and dishonest aspects of the actions.

underhanded tactics

Focuses on the secretive and unfair methods used.

machination

Focuses on cunning and intricate plotting to achieve a goal.

calculated influence

Underscores the deliberate and planned exertion of power.

cunning exploitation

Emphasizes taking advantage of a situation or person through clever deceit.

skulduggery

Emphasizes deceitful and underhanded behavior.

masterful orchestration

Highlights the skillful and coordinated arrangement of events to achieve a specific outcome.

strategic maneuvering

Highlights the calculated and tactical aspect of gaining an advantage.

artful contrivance

Emphasizes the skill and cleverness involved in devising a plan.

shrewd management

Implies skillful and practical handling of a situation, often for personal gain.

FAQs

What does "manipulation" mean?

"Manipulation" refers to the act of skillfully controlling or influencing someone or something, often for personal gain or advantage, and it typically carries a negative connotation implying unfair or unethical methods.

How can I use "manipulation" in a sentence?

You can use "manipulation" in a sentence to describe situations where someone is unfairly controlling a situation or person, for example: "The politician was accused of "media manipulation" to win the election."

What are some synonyms for "manipulation"?

Synonyms for "manipulation" include "skulduggery", "machination", and "deception", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "manipulation" always negative?

Yes, "manipulation" generally carries a negative connotation, implying the use of underhanded or unethical tactics to control or influence a situation or person. In neutral or positive contexts, consider using words like "influence" or "strategic planning".