political leverage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "political leverage" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to the influence or advantage gained through one's political power or position. Example: The president used his political leverage to push through his controversial policy despite strong opposition from the opposition party. Another example: The candidate was able to secure the support of influential leaders, giving him a strong political leverage in the upcoming election.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He leveraged his quirky and independent takes on issues into political leverage for himself (and, invariably, into some pork for Pennsylvania).

The New Yorker

It was political leverage.

The New York Times - Science

"She understands political leverage.

The Washington Post

But their political leverage is limited.

The New Yorker

Both relied on the ongoing fight for political leverage.

The New Yorker

This gave the oil industry some crucial political leverage.

The Washington Post

Beijing has political leverage in Khartoum but says nothing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Democrats, for their part, gloated over their newfound political leverage.

The Washington Post

And commercial property owners have less political leverage, because homeowners outvote them.

The New York Times

To Mr. Romney, foreign aid should be used for political leverage, particularly in Egypt.

The New York Times

Mr. Feinberg's political leverage has been weakened by the banks' speedy repayment of their bailout funds.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about political strategy, use "political leverage" to specifically denote the ability to influence outcomes due to one's position or resources.

Common error

Avoid using "political leverage" when describing situations of direct authority or command. Leverage implies influence, not outright control.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "political leverage" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. It describes the capacity to influence political outcomes. Ludwig examples show it used in contexts ranging from international relations to domestic policy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "political leverage" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes the ability to influence political outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and identifies it in professional contexts such as news, academia, and business. It denotes a strategic advantage, differentiating it from direct authority or command. The phrase is often used to explain how power and resources are utilized to affect policy or decision-making. While alternatives like "political influence" and "bargaining power" exist, "political leverage" specifically highlights the calculated use of one's position to achieve a desired result.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

political influence

Focuses on the capacity to affect political decisions, which is more general than having specific leverage.

political clout

Suggests a strong and often informal type of political influence.

electoral leverage

Specifically relates to the power gained through electoral support, a more focused type of leverage.

diplomatic leverage

Pertains to the influence exerted in international relations and negotiations, unlike the broader political context.

political capital

Refers to the resources and goodwill a politician can use, which may or may not translate directly into leverage.

bargaining power

Highlights the ability to negotiate effectively, which is a component of political leverage.

negotiating position

Indicates a stance taken to gain advantage in negotiations, similar to leveraging power.

influence peddling

Implies using personal connections for political gain, often with a negative connotation.

sway

Suggests the ability to persuade or control, indicating a form of influence similar to leverage.

control

Emphasizes direct power and command, representing a stronger form of influence than leverage.

FAQs

How is "political leverage" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "political leverage" is used to describe the ability to influence decisions or outcomes through one's political power, resources, or connections. For instance, "The senator used his "political leverage" to secure funding for the project."

What are some alternatives to "political leverage"?

Alternatives to "political leverage" include "political influence", "bargaining power", or "political clout". The choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "political leverage" formal or informal?

"Political leverage" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the communication.

What's the difference between "political leverage" and "political influence"?

While closely related, "political leverage" suggests a more strategic or calculated use of power to achieve a specific goal, whereas "political influence" is a broader term referring to the general ability to affect political decisions.