swing vote

USAGE SUMMARY

"swing vote" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe an undecided voter or group of undecided voters who can "swing" the result of an election by ultimately deciding which candidate they will vote for. For example, "The swing vote will ultimately decide the outcome of the election."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This gives Grove a swing vote.

The New York Times - Books

As a swing vote she is powerful.

The Economist

Merwyn was the swing vote.

Harvard Business Review

China's could be a crucial swing vote.

The New York Times

Group 2 is a swing vote.

The Washington Post

"They are the swing vote," he said.

The New York Times

SWING VOTE Opens on Friday nationwide.

The New York Times

"Staten Island is a swing vote.

The New York Times

Justice Kennedy, the swing vote, was enormously skeptical".

The New York Times

It sounds as though the swing vote is staying put.

The Economist

Again, the swing vote, on the main points, was Roberts.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "swing vote", ensure the context clearly indicates the decision-making process or voting scenario in which it plays a crucial role.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "swing vote" automatically guarantees a desired outcome; it only represents a potential for influence that must be strategically utilized.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "swing vote" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes the crucial role of a particular vote in determining the outcome of a decision-making process. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and common phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "swing vote" is a common phrase used to describe a deciding vote or voter, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media, it highlights the crucial role such a vote plays in determining outcomes across politics, business, and law. Alternative phrases like "deciding vote" or "pivotal vote" can be used, but it's important to consider the specific context and desired emphasis. Remember that while a "swing vote" presents an opportunity, it doesn't guarantee a particular result.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deciding vote

This alternative emphasizes the act of making a final decision when opinions are divided.

key vote

This highlights the importance of a particular vote in determining an outcome.

pivotal vote

This phrase stresses the turning-point nature of the vote.

critical vote

This underscores the essential nature of the vote in a specific context.

influential vote

This focuses on the capacity of the vote to sway decisions.

controlling vote

This denotes the vote that ultimately determines the outcome.

tie-breaking vote

This refers specifically to a vote that resolves a tie.

balance of power

This alternative emphasizes the shifting influence that a "swing vote" can represent.

undecided voter

This focuses on the person or group who holds the "swing vote".

floating voter

Similar to "undecided voter", this describes voters who are not aligned with any particular party.

FAQs

How is "swing vote" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "swing vote" is used to describe a vote that is crucial in determining the outcome of a decision. For example, "The senator is considered the "swing vote" on the upcoming bill".

What are some alternative ways to refer to a "swing vote"?

Alternatives to "swing vote" include "deciding vote", "key vote", or "pivotal vote", each emphasizing a different aspect of the vote's importance.

What is the difference between a "swing vote" and an "undecided voter"?

While related, "swing vote" refers to the vote itself, carrying significant influence, while "undecided voter" refers to the person who has not yet made up their mind and could potentially cast the "swing vote".

In what contexts is the term "swing vote" most often used?

The term "swing vote" is commonly used in political science, legal analysis, and business negotiations to describe a vote that can change the outcome of a decision. It is mostly seen in "news and media".