subtle coercion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "subtle coercion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where pressure is applied in a discreet or indirect manner to influence someone's decisions or actions. Example: "The manager's subtle coercion made it difficult for employees to voice their concerns without fear of repercussions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

One commentator called the event on 21 June "a mix of cultural nationalism, commercialisation and subtle coercion".

The Guardian

Some lawyers worry nonetheless that judges won't watch hours of subtle coercion, and that jurors will still find the taped confession decisive.

The New York Times

All notions of the victim's shock, or the perpetrator's subtle coercion, or any unwise snap decision by the victim to be "polite" would be painted as consent.

Independent

But the external report found the possibility of subtle coercion, including signs around the asthma studies center recruiting volunteers and saying staff members could participate in work hours.

The New York Times

We have all been involved in conversations about smartphone holdouts, and anyone who has resisted joining Facebook or Twitter has felt the subtle coercion of consensus.

The New Yorker

The contract, seen by many, particularly in Kerala, as an upshot of subtle coercion, allowed the British the right to use the entire volume of water diverted by the Mullaperiyar Dam in British territory in exchange for a nominal fee.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

He delights in the subtle and not-so-subtle coercion of Wilde's novel into new garb, and revels in Dorian's hedonism.

The Guardian - Books

The lawyer, Michael W. Warren, who represents Mr. Richardson, Mr. McCray and Mr. Santana, has asked a court to dismiss the verdicts, and contended in court papers and news briefings that the confessions were scripted by detectives using subtle psychological coercion.

The New York Times

He then defused the uprising by deploying his soldiers around the area and persuading the ringleaders to back down — using what Carter later described as "a very subtle use of coercion and negotiation".

The New Yorker

What Peggy has become more aware of now is the possibility of the opposite, more subtle, kind of coercion — not the influence of a greedy relative or a cost-conscious state that wants you to die, but pressure from a much-loved spouse or partner who wants you to live.

The New York Times - Magazine

Modern slavery can encompass more subtle forms of coercion and control: where a victim's vulnerability or lack of choice has been abused; where there is a hold over family back home through debt; or where the threat of deportation deprives them of any real freedom and choice once they have been brought in.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "subtle coercion", ensure the context clearly indicates the understated and indirect nature of the pressure being applied. Avoid using it in situations where the pressure is overt or forceful.

Common error

Avoid using "subtle coercion" when describing situations involving overt threats or direct force. The term implies an indirect and understated form of pressure, not outright aggression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "subtle coercion" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It describes a situation where pressure or influence is applied in an indirect or understated manner. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "subtle coercion" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that describes indirect pressure or influence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is applicable across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific discussions. While alternatives like "understated pressure" or "indirect influence" can be used, it's crucial to maintain the nuance of indirectness. When employing this phrase, writers should ensure that the situation genuinely reflects an understated form of pressure, avoiding its misuse in scenarios involving overt force or threats. Its prevalence in authoritative sources highlights its importance in critical analysis of power dynamics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

understated pressure

Emphasizes the low-key nature of the pressure applied.

indirect influence

Focuses on the roundabout way influence is exerted.

gentle persuasion

Highlights the mild and non-forceful nature of the attempt to convince.

veiled manipulation

Suggests that the manipulation is hidden or disguised.

tacit pressure

Implies unspoken or implicit pressure.

insidious influence

Highlights the gradual and harmful nature of the influence.

artful persuasion

Emphasizes the skillful and clever manner of persuasion.

subliminal manipulation

Focuses on manipulation that occurs below the level of conscious awareness.

unobtrusive pressure

Emphasizes that the pressure is not easily noticeable.

underlying duress

Highlights the concealed stress or compulsion involved.

FAQs

How to use "subtle coercion" in a sentence?

You can use "subtle coercion" to describe situations where someone is pressured indirectly. For example, "The manager used "subtle coercion" to encourage employees to work overtime."

What are some alternatives to "subtle coercion"?

Alternatives to "subtle coercion" include "understated pressure", "indirect influence", or "gentle persuasion" depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "subtle coercion" and overt coercion?

"Subtle coercion" involves indirect and understated pressure, while overt coercion involves direct and forceful pressure. Subtle coercion is less noticeable but can still be effective.

In what contexts is "subtle coercion" typically used?

"Subtle coercion" is often used in discussions of politics, business, and personal relationships to describe situations where power dynamics are used to influence decisions without resorting to direct threats or force.