unleash

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unleash" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to releasing or setting free something that has been restrained or held back, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The new marketing strategy aims to unleash the full potential of our brand in the competitive market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She said the existing system made it unlikely that an immigration overhaul could unleash a new wave of illegal migration, like the surge since the amnesty of 1986.

The New York Times

This is what a low-carbon transition means for the world, and it could unleash a period of innovation and creativity that would drive prosperity and growth in rich and poor countries alike.

The Guardian - Opinion

And it is no coincidence that we have a new generation of inspirational African leaders in place, making what President Obama has called "the tough choices that will unleash the dynamism of [their] countries".

The Guardian

Lauras Trott and Robson, with their sweet smiles, their even-clarified-butter-wouldn't-melt faces, their plaited hair and One Direction tweets, unleash an almost unrecognisably aggressive persona on the track and the court.

The Guardian - Sport

It's made out of teacups and dolls and at one point it opens a garage door using a trombone and an ironing board!" And you'd be right – in fact, it was inspired by Rube Goldberg, with the premise being that girls' toys are too pink and boring, and don't unleash a child's creativity quite like toys for boys.

The Guardian - Music

"The Tories think the election has given them licence to unleash five more years of savage austerity," said Helen Pattison of Youth Fight for Jobs.

The Guardian

"There is a huge trained manpower that they will not know what to do with and this will unleash acts of terror and we are a good target," the officer said.

The Guardian

It would also be wrong, Lapthorne suggests, to trust the idea that companies have been under-investing while sitting on large piles of cash they will soon unleash to fuel growth.

The Guardian - Business

A win for the yes campaign would represent a stunning turnaround, and unleash the biggest constitutional crisis in the union's 300-year history: it was 14 points behind in polls taken less than a month ago.

The Guardian

If freedom of expression sometimes appears to have been hijacked in order to unleash the worst of anti-immigrant or anti-Muslim unpleasantness, that is not relevant.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's been called the most contested acronym in Europe, a putative free-trade deal between the world's two richest trading powers that will either unleash untold prosperity or economic and cultural ruin, depending on your point of view.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unleash" when you want to convey the idea of releasing something powerful or previously restrained. It's particularly effective when describing potential or force being set free.

Common error

Avoid using "unleash" in contexts where a more neutral term like "release" or "start" would be more appropriate. "Unleash" implies a significant force or potential being activated, and using it in mundane situations can sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "unleash" is as a transitive verb. It signifies the act of releasing something, often with the implication of power or force. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unleash" is a grammatically correct and frequently used transitive verb that describes the act of releasing something with force or potential. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It's most often found in news and media, formal business, and scientific contexts. While appropriate in various registers, it should be used judiciously to avoid overemphasis in neutral situations. Related phrases include "release", "trigger", and "set in motion", each with slightly different nuances. Remember to use "unleash" when you want to emphasize the powerful nature of what is being set free.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

release

A direct synonym, but can sometimes lack the intensity or implication of suppressed energy that "unleash" conveys.

trigger

Highlights the activation or commencement of something, often with a sense of causation, slightly less forceful than "unleash".

let loose

Similar to "unleash", but can sometimes imply a lack of control or a more chaotic release.

set free

Focuses on liberation or release from confinement, lacking the implication of sudden force often associated with "unleash".

unfetter

Implies removing restraints, often physical, whereas "unleash" can be more metaphorical.

set in motion

Emphasizes the initiation of a process or event, differing from "unleash" which suggests a release of pent-up energy or force.

spark

Suggests initiating something, often an idea or feeling, less forceful than "unleash" which can imply a larger, more impactful release.

liberate

Focuses on freeing from oppression or confinement, less about the resultant force or energy than "unleash".

activate

Implies making something functional or operative, differing from "unleash" which suggests a freeing of inherent power or potential.

set off

Emphasizes initiation or triggering, often of a chain reaction or event, differing from "unleash" which focuses on the release itself.

FAQs

How can I use "unleash" in a sentence?

"Unleash" is often used to describe the release of something powerful or previously restrained. For example, "The company plans to "unleash a new marketing campaign"" or "The new policy will "unleash economic growth"."

What are some alternatives to "unleash"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "release", "trigger", "activate", or "set in motion".

Is it appropriate to use "unleash" in formal writing?

Yes, "unleash" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when you want to emphasize the forceful or impactful nature of a release or activation. However, ensure that the context warrants its use and that it doesn't sound overly dramatic.

What's the difference between "unleash" and "release"?

"Release" is a more general term for setting something free. "Unleash" implies a forceful or energetic release, often of something that was previously restrained. You might "release" information, but you would "unleash" a powerful force or potential.