was a coup

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was a coup" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden, often violent, overthrow of a government or authority, typically in a political context. Example: "The sudden change in leadership was a coup that shocked the nation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was a coup!

Independent

Of course it was a coup.

The New Yorker

That was a coup for the government.

The Economist

Landing her was a coup for Frost.

The New York Times - Sports

For Mississippi, landing Nissan was a coup.

The New York Times

It was a coup attempt.

The Guardian

The result was a coup de foudre.

The Guardian - Books

This, in itself, was a coup.

The New York Times

For Princeton, it was a coup.

The Guardian

This was a coup for Tottenham.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It was a coup de foudre.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was a coup", ensure the context clearly indicates a sudden and significant shift in power, influence, or success. Avoid using it casually for minor changes.

Common error

Avoid using "was a coup" to describe ordinary achievements or events that lack the element of a sudden and significant power shift. Reserve it for situations involving considerable impact and abrupt change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was a coup" functions primarily as a predicate nominative, linking the subject to a noun phrase that renames it. It indicates that a particular event or action is being described as a successful and often unexpected seizure of power or advantage. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was a coup" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a significant and often sudden shift in power or a notable achievement. Ludwig AI shows that it most frequently appears in News & Media contexts, indicating its relevance in reporting on political and strategic events. While 'coup' carries potential negative connotations, the phrase is generally neutral in register. To avoid misuse, ensure the described event genuinely reflects a substantial shift in power or influence. Alternatives like "constituted a takeover" or "represented a seizure of power" can offer nuanced variations. The phrase enjoys widespread usage across authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turned into a putsch

Another term for a coup, denoting a violent attempt to overthrow a government.

represented a palace coup

Denotes a swift and decisive change of leadership within a restricted circle or organization.

amounted to an overthrow

Focuses on the displacement of an existing authority or system.

represented a seizure of power

Highlights the forceful and abrupt acquisition of authority.

was a swift takeover

Focuses on the speed and decisiveness of the change.

constituted a takeover

Emphasizes the act of gaining control, often in a business or political context.

marked a power grab

Implies an aggressive and opportunistic acquisition of influence or control.

signified a revolution

Suggests a fundamental and transformative change, often with broader implications.

was a successful power shift

Highlights the successful transition of power from one entity to another.

became an insurgency

Indicates a rebellion or uprising against established authority.

FAQs

How can I use "was a coup" in a sentence?

You can use "was a coup" to describe situations where there is a sudden and often unexpected shift in power or a significant achievement. For example, "The company's acquisition of its main competitor "was a coup" for its market position."

What phrases can I use instead of "was a coup"?

Alternatives include "constituted a takeover", "represented a seizure of power", or "amounted to an overthrow", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "was a coup" in a formal context?

Yes, "was a coup" can be used in formal contexts, especially when discussing political or business events. However, be mindful of the potentially negative connotations associated with the word "coup", which often implies a forceful or illegitimate seizure of power.

What's the difference between "was a coup" and "was a success"?

"Was a coup" implies a sudden and decisive victory or shift in power, often achieved through strategic action. "Was a success", on the other hand, simply indicates a positive outcome without necessarily implying a rapid or forceful change. You might use "was a coup" to describe "represented a palace coup".