political calculation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "political calculation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the strategic considerations or decisions made by individuals or groups in the context of politics. Example: "The senator's decision to support the bill was clearly a political calculation aimed at winning over undecided voters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One is political calculation.

The Economist

Political calculation, yes.

The New Yorker

Again, not a bad political calculation.

The New York Times

Obama engaged in cynical political calculation.

The New Yorker

But that represents a complex political calculation.

The New York Times

Mr. Ryan's political calculation is simple.

The New York Times

Is it the right political calculation?

The New York Times

It was just a political calculation.

The New Yorker

It wasn't based on any political calculation.

The Guardian

There's obviously been a political calculation made.

The Guardian

Their political calculation was probably correct.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "political calculation", ensure the context clearly indicates the strategic and often self-serving nature of the decision or action being described. The phrase often carries a connotation of cynicism or manipulation.

Common error

Avoid using "political calculation" when referring to genuine acts of public service or decisions based solely on ethical considerations. The phrase implies a degree of self-interest or strategic advantage that may not always be present.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "political calculation" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the act of strategically weighing political factors to achieve a desired outcome. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is widely used across many contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "political calculation" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe strategic decision-making in politics, often with a critical or analytical tone. As Ludwig AI confirms, it implies a degree of self-interest or strategic advantage. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, and authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian demonstrate its widespread use. While it’s a valuable term for understanding political actions, it’s crucial to use it judiciously, avoiding its application when genuine ethical considerations are the sole basis for decisions. Considering alternatives like "strategic political move" can provide a more nuanced description when needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

calculated political strategy

Stresses the careful and deliberate planning involved.

strategic political move

Emphasizes the strategic nature of the action with a focus on its impact.

tactical political decision

Highlights the tactical aspect, suggesting a short-term goal.

politically motivated action

Focuses on the underlying political motivation behind the action.

political pragmatism

Highlights a practical approach to achieving political goals.

political maneuver

Implies a clever or skillful action, often with a hint of manipulation.

electioneering tactic

Specifically relates to actions taken to win an election.

policy calculus

Refers to the process of weighing different policy options.

partisan ploy

Suggests a tactic designed to benefit a particular political party.

realpolitik

Emphasizes pragmatic, power-based considerations.

FAQs

How can I use "political calculation" in a sentence?

You can use "political calculation" to describe a decision or action that is primarily motivated by strategic political advantage rather than genuine conviction. For example: "The president's sudden shift in policy was viewed as a purely "political calculation" to win back voters."

What's the difference between "political calculation" and "political strategy"?

"Political strategy" generally refers to a broader plan of action, while "political calculation" often implies a more specific and perhaps cynical assessment of costs and benefits. A "political strategy" might involve several "political calculations".

Are there synonyms for "political calculation" that don't sound negative?

While "political calculation" often has a negative connotation, you can use terms like "strategic political move" or "tactical political decision" to convey a similar meaning with a more neutral tone.

Is it always appropriate to use "political calculation" to describe someone's actions?

No, "political calculation" is best used when there's evidence to suggest that the action is primarily motivated by political gain. Using it without justification can be seen as accusatory. Ensure a more neutral alternative as "politically motivated action" is more factually correct.