used as leverage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "used as leverage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is utilized to gain an advantage or influence a situation. Example: "The company used the threat of a lawsuit as leverage to negotiate a better settlement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Those facts can be used as leverage.

The New York Times

"It may be used as leverage against Muslim leaders.

The Guardian

Their shame was used as leverage by the abusers.

The New York Times

In modern Hollywood the franchise is king, the star is used as leverage.

The Guardian - Film

The aid cutoff should be used as leverage to re-open the political system in Pakistan.

The New York Times

"Well, that's what they used as leverage against me," says Schrader.

The Guardian - Film

But under the modern constitution -- and a strong governor -- senatorial courtesy is primarily used as leverage.

The New York Times

Threats of harm to family members of those under interrogation used as leverage.

The Guardian

This aid could be used as leverage to push both sides to end the attacks and return to negotiations.

The New York Times

Labor officials suggested that the stadium could be used as leverage in the coming contract negotiations with theater owners.

The New York Times

Several people close to McDougal argued that such untold stories could be used as leverage against the President.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the phrase in contexts where a clear advantage or influencing action is intended.

Common error

Avoid using "used as leverage" when the intended meaning is simply 'used' or 'utilized'. Leverage implies a strategic advantage gained from its use, which should be clear from the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "used as leverage" typically functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action where something is strategically employed to gain an advantage or exert influence. Ludwig's examples show it often relates to negotiations, politics, or business strategies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "used as leverage" is a versatile phrase frequently found in news, scientific, and business contexts to describe the strategic employment of a resource or situation for advantage. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely accepted. When writing, ensure clarity by specifying what is being leveraged and who benefits. While alternatives like "exploited for advantage" exist, "used as leverage" provides a balanced and professional tone suitable for various formal communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leveraged to influence

Highlights the action of exerting influence

exploited for advantage

Replaces "used" with "exploited" implying a more opportunistic approach.

utilized as a bargaining chip

Specifically highlights the use in negotiations or bargaining scenarios.

employed as a tool

Emphasizes the deliberate and strategic nature of the usage.

taken advantage of

It focuses on the action of exploit something

applied as a negotiating tactic

It's explicit in the purpose of being a negotiating tactic

capitalized on

Focuses on taking advantage of a situation or resource.

made use of to exert pressure

Highlights the purpose of using leverage: to exert pressure.

harnessed for influence

Suggests the controlled application of power or resources.

drawn on for strategic gain

Emphasizes the element of calculated strategic advantage.

FAQs

How can I use "used as leverage" in a sentence?

The phrase "used as leverage" describes employing something to gain an advantage. For example, "The company "used its market position" as leverage to negotiate better terms with suppliers."

What are some alternatives to "used as leverage"?

You can use alternatives like "exploited for advantage", "utilized as a bargaining chip", or "employed as a tool" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "used as leverage" or "leveraged"?

Both "used as leverage" and "leveraged" can be correct, but "leveraged" is often more concise. "Used as leverage" might be preferred when you want to emphasize the action of using something for strategic gain.

What is the difference between "used as leverage" and "taken advantage of"?

"Used as leverage" implies a strategic or intentional action to gain an advantage, while "taken advantage of" often suggests exploiting a vulnerability or weakness in a less ethical manner.