ploy

USAGE SUMMARY

"ploy" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a noun meaning an evasive or devious trick or stratagem. Example sentence: His ploy to distract attention from his mistake didn't work.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An open letter from the team asking the fans to accept that it might take some new arrivals a little longer "to adapt to the German mentality and lifestyle" was either an earnest attempt to foster integration or a cynical, Magath-led ploy to shift the blame from the obsessive wheeler-dealer manager to the foreign recruits.

The Guardian - Sport

"I don't think it's a ploy.

The Guardian - Sport

As I've written before, coal's concern for the world's poor is either a sudden onset of benevolence or a cynical ploy to use people's genuine concern over poverty to sell more of their product.

The Guardian

Anwar, once seen as the heir apparent to former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad before being sacked 10 years ago, said the sodomy allegation was a ploy to destroy the opposition.

The Guardian

Later, after Europe's American opponents had been smoothly despatched, McGinley's ploy was hailed as a masterstroke of organisation.

The Guardian

It was five months ago when he first made that complaint and the timing of his latest comments, just as Chelsea are preparing to be reunited with the championship trophy, merely firms up the suspicion that it was always a deliberate ploy to put pressure on referees and "get an advantage", to use the description of Manuel Pellegrini at Manchester City.

The Guardian - Sport

The advertising agency linked to the release said on Monday it was simply helping a friend locate the mango, but refused to categorically deny it was a marketing ploy.

The Guardian

Hurd defended it as a necessary shot across the bows of the IRA, but not as a successful ploy for influencing public opinion – although it did temporarily assuage the indignation of the press.

The Guardian - Opinion

Maybe, I'm naive to think that most young Americans will not fall for this cynical ploy, no matter how much free beer they are plied with.

The Guardian - Opinion

One potentially useful ploy in managing the impossible expectations and "island nation" fantasies of the Conservative right and the Tory press was to open up a second front in the war to reclaim sovereignty, taking the fight from Brussels to the human rights court in Strasbourg.

The Guardian - Opinion

Prosecuting political opponents on financial charges is a favourite ploy in autocratic post-Soviet regimes.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ploy", ensure the context clearly indicates the intention behind the action, whether it's strategic, deceptive, or simply a clever tactic.

Common error

Avoid using "ploy" when describing actions that are genuinely sincere or well-intentioned. "Ploy" often implies a degree of manipulation or deception.

Linguistic Context

The word "ploy" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a tactic or strategy, often with a connotation of cunning or deception. Ludwig AI indicates the word is correct and usable, as demonstrated by the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ploy" is a frequently used noun that describes a tactic or strategy, often carrying connotations of cunning or deception. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, and the numerous examples showcase its prevalence in news, business, and occasionally scientific contexts. While generally neutral in register, ensure the context aligns with the word's implication of strategic maneuvering, differentiating it from sincere or well-intentioned actions. When writing, avoid misinterpreting the intent behind actions and consider synonyms like "scheme" or "tactic" to fine-tune the meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clever tactic

Highlights the skill and ingenuity involved in the action.

cunning scheme

Emphasizes the clever and sometimes deceptive nature of the plan.

calculated move

Stresses the premeditated and thoughtful nature of the action.

strategic maneuver

Focuses on the calculated aspect of the action, highlighting planning and intent.

devious trick

Focuses on the deceitful and underhanded aspect of the action.

deliberate plan

Highlights the intentional and purposeful design behind the action.

game plan

Emphasizes the structured and strategic approach to achieving a specific goal.

subterfuge

Highlights the use of deception to conceal one's true intentions.

artifice

Implies a subtle and deceptive approach, often with a manipulative intent.

Machiavellian strategy

Suggests a ruthless and amoral approach to achieving a goal.

FAQs

How can I use "ploy" in a sentence?

You can use "ploy" to describe a strategic or cunning action, such as "The company's new marketing campaign was seen as a "marketing ploy" to attract younger customers".

What are some synonyms for "ploy"?

Alternatives to "ploy" include "tactic", "scheme", "maneuver", and "stratagem", each carrying slightly different connotations of strategy and intention.

Is "ploy" a formal or informal word?

"Ploy" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the specific situation. It is commonly found in news articles, business reports, and general discussions.

What is the difference between "ploy" and "strategy"?

While both "ploy" and "strategy" refer to planned actions, "ploy" often implies a more specific, tactical maneuver, sometimes with a deceptive element, whereas "strategy" usually refers to a broader, long-term plan.