soft money

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "soft money" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in political contexts to refer to funds raised for political parties in a way that is not subject to federal regulations. Example: "The campaign relied heavily on soft money to finance its advertising efforts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Limit soft money donations.

The New York Times

Theirs is "soft money".

The New York Times

Nobody mentioned soft money.

The New York Times

The second handicap relates to soft money.

The New Yorker

Hollywood has "soft money," too.

The New Yorker

Congress must outlaw soft money.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

"Lazio soft-money hypocrisy".

The New York Times

Large soft-money contributions are disappearing underground".

The New York Times

She's out of the soft-money business.

The New York Times

Announcer: "But then he broke the soft-money agreement.

The New York Times

But he did not take the soft-money pledge.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing campaign finance, clarify whether you are referring to "soft money" or "hard money", as they are governed by different regulations. Explain "soft money" within the context of political contributions to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "soft money" without providing context or a definition, as it is a term specific to campaign finance and may not be familiar to all readers. Always explain what "soft money" is, especially for a general audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "soft money" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes a specific type of financial contribution in the political arena. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "soft money" refers to political contributions made to parties, often bypassing federal regulations. Ludwig AI verifies that it is a grammatically correct and frequently used term, especially in news and media. While primarily neutral in register, it's crucial to provide context when using the phrase, as its specific meaning might not be universally understood. Consider using alternative phrases like "unregulated political funds" or "indirect campaign financing" for clarity. The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act aimed to curb its influence, but unregulated spending continues to be a topic of discussion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unregulated political funds

Emphasizes the lack of regulatory oversight associated with "soft money".

unrestricted campaign contributions

Highlights the absence of limits on the amount of money donated.

indirect campaign financing

Focuses on how the money is used to influence elections, without directly supporting candidates.

non-federal election funds

Specifies that these funds are used in state or local elections.

loophole money

Highlights how "soft money" exploits regulatory gaps.

party-building funds

Focuses on the use of funds to support political party activities.

influence-peddling money

Accentuates the potential for corruption and undue influence.

campaign slush funds

Suggests "soft money" is used for questionable or unethical purposes.

unaccountable political donations

Highlights the lack of transparency and oversight.

shadow campaign finance

Implies the funding operates outside of public view.

FAQs

What is "soft money" in the context of political campaigns?

"Soft money" refers to funds contributed to political parties for activities intended to influence state or local elections, often without the same regulatory restrictions as direct contributions to candidates.

How does "soft money" differ from "hard money"?

"Hard money" is subject to federal regulations and contribution limits, while "soft money" often bypasses these restrictions by being donated to political parties for party-building activities or state elections. Hard money goes directly to candidates.

What are some alternatives to using the term "soft money"?

You can use alternatives like "unregulated political funds", "unrestricted campaign contributions", or "indirect campaign financing" depending on the context.

Is "soft money" still legal in United States elections?

The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA) of 2002 placed restrictions on "soft money" contributions to national political parties, though some forms of unregulated spending still exist through other avenues.