tried to leverage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tried to leverage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing efforts to utilize or take advantage of a resource, opportunity, or situation for a specific purpose. Example: "The company tried to leverage its existing technology to improve efficiency and reduce costs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Confederates had certainly tried to leverage the situation by encouraging Britain to take a hard line.

The New York Times

That really is unusual, and is something we tried to leverage in the new branding".

The New York Times

Inevitably, Mr. Cook has tried to leverage his toxic reputation by playing jerks, but it's not so easy.

The New York Times - Arts

Even before the 2010 season starts, one player has already tried to leverage heightened sensitivity to concussions.

The New York Times - Sports

Tehran has tried to leverage its stance on the Arab-Israeli dispute into a means to influence Arab countries.

The New York Times

Senate Republicans tried to leverage voters' anguish by offering proposals that furthered their unexamined strategy to expand offshore drilling.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Other philanthropic ventures are also trying to leverage existing resources.

The New York Times

But other businesses are trying to leverage the arts indirectly.

The New York Times

"Trying to leverage that brand into other products makes sense".

The New York Times

"He was always trying to leverage himself to the next job," Dale Watson said.

The New Yorker

Hult is hardly the first business school to try to leverage idealism.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tried to leverage", ensure the object being leveraged is clearly defined. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "tried to leverage" without specifying what was being leveraged. For instance, instead of saying "They tried to leverage", specify "They tried to leverage their market position".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tried to leverage" functions as a verb phrase indicating an attempt to use something to gain an advantage or achieve a specific goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a usable phrase in written English. The examples show its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tried to leverage" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase that indicates an attempt to strategically use something for advantage. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. When using this phrase, be sure to clearly define the object being leveraged to maintain clarity. Consider alternatives like "attempted to capitalize on" or "sought to exploit", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worked to leverage

Emphasizes the effort put into using something to one's advantage.

attempted to capitalize on

Emphasizes turning something into an advantage or profit.

aimed to harness

Focuses on controlling and using a resource or power effectively.

endeavored to utilize

A more formal way of saying "tried to use".

sought to exploit

Implies using something for one's own benefit, possibly with negative connotations.

made an effort to exploit

Similar to "tried to exploit", but highlights the effort made.

sought to maximize

Focuses on getting the greatest possible advantage or benefit.

looked to optimize

Focuses on finding the best or most effective use of something.

maneuvered to exploit

Highlights skillful or cunning use of a situation.

strove to manipulate

Suggests skillful handling of resources for a specific outcome, potentially with negative undertones.

FAQs

How can I use "tried to leverage" in a sentence?

Use "tried to leverage" to describe an attempt to use something to achieve a desired outcome. For example, "The company "tried to leverage" its brand recognition to launch a new product line".

What are some alternatives to "tried to leverage"?

You can use alternatives such as "attempted to capitalize on", "sought to exploit", or "aimed to harness", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "tried to leverage" formal or informal?

"Tried to leverage" is generally considered neutral to professional. While not overly formal, it is suitable for business, news, and academic contexts.

What's the difference between "tried to leverage" and "tried to exploit"?

"Tried to leverage" implies an attempt to use something strategically for advantage. "Tried to exploit" often suggests a more opportunistic, potentially negative, use of something.