Three grammar mistakes often appear with "leverage." The verb and noun use different patterns. Here is how to fix them.
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Learn "Leverage" in depth →Mistake 1: adding "on" after the verb
In standard business English, the verb is transitive. Its object comes right after it.
Wrong: "We should leverage on our data team's expertise." Right: "We should leverage our data team's expertise."
The extra "on" may come from "rely on" or "capitalize on." Those verbs use a different pattern. Write "leverage our expertise," not "leverage on our expertise." You may see other forms in some regions. The direct-object form is safest in edited business English.
Mistake 2: assuming the noun has only one correct preposition
The noun can appear with several prepositions. The choice depends on the rest of the phrase.
Both natural, different framing: "This gives us leverage over the supplier" (power relative to them) and "this gives us leverage with the supplier" (bargaining power in those dealings).
"Leverage over" someone stresses power and may sound hostile. "Leverage with" a party can describe bargaining power in that relationship. "Leverage in" talks names the setting. Other patterns are also possible, such as "leverage on an issue." Do not judge the preposition alone. Check its object and meaning.
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Mistake 3: pluralizing an uncountable noun
As a business or finance noun, "leverage" is usually uncountable. To count its sources, add a noun you can count.
Wrong: "We have several leverages here that we haven't used yet." Right: "We have several sources of leverage here that we haven't used yet."
Practice scenarios
Practice the transitive-verb, noun-preposition, and countability rules in situations like:
- fixing a sentence that adds "on" after the verb
- choosing between "over," "with," and "in" for the noun sense
- rewriting a sentence that treats "leverage" as a countable plural
Useful practice phrases:
- In edited international English, write "leverage [asset]," not "leverage on [asset]."
- "This gives us leverage over/with [a party] or in [the talks]."
- "We have leverage here," never "several leverages."
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Start the "Leverage" learning path →These three rules cover many common errors with this word.
Check the verb's object, the noun phrase, and countability.