Clout means influence, weight, the power to get things done: political clout, the union has a lot of clout. In internet slang, it's the popularity and status that attention brings; do something for clout means doing it for hype and followers, and it sounds disapproving. In an essay, use influence.
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have / gain / use clout; political / social clout; do something for clout
- The local writers gained clout when they formed a joint association.
- A large following gave the reviewer clout beyond her own channel.
- He shared the photograph for clout, hoping the famous guest would make people notice him.
What changed
First versionThe campaign gave the group more clouts in local debates.
RevisionThe campaign gave the group more clout in local debates.
Clout looks like an ordinary countable word, like vote or point. But influence isn't something you count: more clout, a lot of clout. Without the -s, the sentence sounds natural.
Fame is being known; clout is being able to influence. A celebrity may convince nobody, while a modest residents' committee chair can get a new traffic light installed. Hype is the noise around something, and it fades faster than influence.
Your turn
The respected organiser has considerable ___ with the council.
Show the answer
clout — Influence isn't counted, so considerable clout. Clouts in the plural doesn't exist in the sense of influence.
Describe how a group of people gained influence and what decision they were able to change. Use clout.
The residents gained enough clout to persuade the council to improve the crossing.
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