What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
clout
Example
The CEO of the company has a lot of clout and can make important decisions. [clout: noun]
Example
Her opinion carries a lot of clout in the fashion industry. [clout: noun]
sway
Example
The charismatic speaker had the ability to sway the audience with his powerful words. [sway: verb]
Example
Her strong arguments swayed the committee to vote in her favor. [swayed: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Clout is less common than sway in everyday language. Sway is a more versatile word that can be used in different contexts, while clout is often specific to business or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between clout and sway?
Both clout and sway can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, clout is more commonly associated with a formal tone due to its connection to business and professional environments, while sway can be used in both formal and informal situations.
