manipulative practice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "manipulative practice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or behaviors that are intended to influence or control others in a deceptive or unfair manner. Example: "The therapist warned her client about the manipulative practice of gaslighting in relationships."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It defines a common core of manipulative practice while permitting enough flexibility in both assessment and treatment to be representative of all three professions.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Despite this risky and unappealing method of storytelling, Edric managed to convey a powerful sense of agenda, of the manipulative practices of investigator as well as investigated.

The Guardian - Books

And as long as stocks were skyrocketing, investors seemed happy to close their eyes to manipulative practices on Wall Street or in corporate boardrooms.

The New York Times

Even so, the revelation that mutual funds have engaged in manipulative practices will be more shocking to most investors than any shenanigans by a hedge fund.

The New York Times

In the 1934 Act, § 9 prohibits any person from engaging in manipulative practices such as wash sales, matched orders, and the like.

Cornell University

The F.D.A., which has the authority to extend its jurisdiction to cigars and other tobacco products any time it wishes, should move to eliminate flavored cigars and other manipulative practices as soon as it has enough evidence.

The New York Times

ABC News won for "Prime Time Live: Debt Reckoning," a report on the Associates Corporation, a subsidiary of the Ford Motor Company that used manipulative practices to sell mortgage loans to unsophisticated borrowers.

The New York Times - Arts

The study found that smaller auditors rather than larger ones were associated with a larger proportion of late filings and unscheduled grants, which most likely lead to more backdating and manipulative practices.

The New York Times

Schatz's legislation would apply more broadly, compelling tech companies to be discreet and secure, discouraging manipulative practices and keeping companies from elevating their short-term profits over our long-term interests.

The Washington Post

In a statement this week, Walter Lukken, the C.F.T.C. chairman, said the commission was determined to see that commodity prices were set "by the fundamental forces of supply and demand, rather than by abusive or manipulative practices".

The New York Times

But once a method has been incorporated into the political world, it's simply one of a range of manipulative practices, without any special democratic nature or utopian implications.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing specific instances of influence, consider using more descriptive alternatives to "manipulative practice" like "coercive method" or "deceptive tactic" to provide greater clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "manipulative practice" as a catch-all phrase. Be specific about what the practice entails and its effects. For example, instead of saying "the company engaged in manipulative practices", specify "the company misled investors through deceptive accounting".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "manipulative practice" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "manipulative" modifies the noun "practice". It describes a specific type of action or behavior characterized by manipulation. Ludwig indicates its usability in describing actions intended to influence others unfairly.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "manipulative practice" is a noun phrase used to describe actions or behaviors designed to unfairly influence others. While grammatically correct, as affirmed by Ludwig, its frequency is relatively rare. The phrase appears in varied contexts, including news, academia, and science. For clarity and precision, consider using alternatives like "deceptive tactic" or "coercive method" depending on the specific context to enrich your descriptions. Ludwig provides various examples of usage from credible sources, affirming its validity despite its low frequency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crafty manipulation

Highlights the cleverness and skill involved in the manipulation.

deceptive tactic

Focuses on the deceitful aspect rather than the ongoing nature of a practice.

exploitative behavior

Emphasizes the unfair advantage taken of someone.

coercive method

Highlights the element of force or pressure involved.

duplicitous approach

Highlights the double-dealing nature of the actions.

underhanded procedure

Suggests secrecy and dishonesty in the process.

conniving strategy

Focuses on the planning and scheming aspect.

calculated maneuver

Emphasizes the deliberate and planned nature of the manipulation.

Machiavellian scheme

Implies cunning and ruthlessness in achieving goals.

insidious habit

Suggests a gradual and subtle form of manipulation.

FAQs

How can I use "manipulative practice" in a sentence?

You can use "manipulative practice" to describe actions intended to unfairly influence someone. For example, "The advertisement employed a "manipulative practice" by using fear to sell its product."

What are some alternatives to "manipulative practice"?

Alternatives include "deceptive tactic", "coercive method", or "exploitative behavior" depending on the specific context.

Is "manipulative practice" a formal or informal term?

"Manipulative practice" is generally considered a neutral term suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, the specific situation will determine its appropriateness.

What is the difference between "manipulative practice" and "persuasion"?

"Manipulative practice" implies a deceptive or unfair influence, while persuasion involves convincing someone through reasoning or argument. Persuasion is ethical, while "manipulative practice" is not.