serve as leverage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'serve as leverage' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to refer to something that could be used to influence a situation or negotiation. For example, "We have evidence that could serve as leverage in our negotiations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It will serve as leverage.

The New York Times

Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst, the investment group leading the purchase, declined to comment on whether the deal would be affected, but the recall could serve as leverage in further wrangling over price.

The New York Times

It is the U.S. hope that progress on disarmament will serve as leverage for a stronger commitment to nonproliferation by non-nuclear-weapon states, but U.S. flexibility in this area obviously has its limits.

The Guardian

It should be noted that those involved in the plan don't want $200m to be the limit; they hope the initiative will serve as leverage to get more funds from other foundations or private companies, or that it will shake loose public money to further boost the life chances of young black men.

The Guardian

These dominant themes provide insight into reasons for nonenrollment and may serve as leverage points for future efforts to improve African American women's participation in cancer clinical trials.

Cancer Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Really neat things are happening already like the way the people of the world can educate themselves on all manner of issues and topics, or the way data and computing serves as leverage in other scientific and technical endeavors.

TechCrunch

On the other hand, they allow Tehran to maintain proxies that serve as a leverage utilized for negotiations on the nuclear issue with world powers.

Huffington Post

Harman suggests that the upcoming Sochi Olympics might serve as a leverage point between the U.S. and Russia, because Putin is using Sochi as a sort of "rebranding" exercise.

Huffington Post

We are convinced that it can serve as a leverage for further research on more specific topics such as screening-practices in Moroccan healthcare, cultural difficulties for Moroccan healthcare workers confronted with sub-Saharan patients, methods of awareness-raising, and, development and efficacy of training programs.

BMC Health Services Research

This transformational outlook of not being affected by a woman's physical splendor, will serve as massive leverage to your confidence, and also help derail your nervousness.

WikiHow

During the talks, his signing could have served as subtle leverage.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "serve as leverage", ensure the subject clearly provides an advantage or influence in a specific situation. For instance, "The data can serve as leverage in negotiations with stakeholders."

Common error

Avoid using "serve as leverage" when the influence is minimal or uncertain. It should represent a significant potential advantage, not just a possibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serve as leverage" functions as a verb phrase indicating the capacity of something to provide influence or advantage in a particular situation. As Ludwig AI points out, it suggests a means by which one can exert control or achieve a desired outcome. The examples provided showcase it within contexts of negotiations, strategic advantage, and influence.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "serve as leverage" is grammatically correct and used to describe something providing influence or advantage. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, particularly within news, science, and professional contexts. While not very common, understanding its strategic implications allows you to use it effectively. Remember to ensure the influence is substantial and avoid overstating the potential impact. Consider using alternatives like "act as a fulcrum" or "be used as a bargaining chip" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be used as a bargaining chip

Highlights the use of something as a negotiating tactic.

act as a fulcrum

Replaces "leverage" with a more metaphorical term, emphasizing the point of support for influence.

function as a tool for influence

Emphasizes the instrumentality of something in achieving influence.

work as a persuasive factor

Highlights the persuasive quality.

provide a means of control

Focuses on the controlling aspect of leverage.

constitute a point of influence

Formalizes the idea of having sway.

enable strategic advantage

Focuses on enabling some strategic advantage.

offer an advantage

Focuses on the benefit provided.

be instrumental in gaining

Emphasizes the gaining of something through its influence.

become a source of power

Focuses on power dynamics and how it begins to generate or amplify it.

FAQs

How can I use "serve as leverage" in a sentence?

Use "serve as leverage" when describing something that provides an advantage or influence in a particular situation. For example, "The new evidence could "serve as leverage" in the ongoing legal battle."

What are some alternatives to "serve as leverage"?

Alternatives include phrases like "act as a fulcrum", "be used as a bargaining chip", or "provide a means of control", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "served as a leverage" instead of "serve as leverage"?

While grammatically possible in some contexts, "served as a leverage" is less common and less idiomatic than ""serve as leverage"". The latter is generally preferred.

What is the difference between "serve as leverage" and "provide an advantage"?

"Serve as leverage" implies a more active or strategic use of something to gain influence, whereas "provide an advantage" is a more general statement of benefit.