change-the-calculus
/tʃeɪndʒ ðə ˈkæl.kjʊ.ləs/ IELTSAcademic
verb
to change the basic way people think about or judge a situation, so the outcome or balance is different. It is often used in formal writing.
- The new policy could change the calculus.
- His resignation changed the calculus for the vote.
Adinary Nuance
"Change the calculus" is more formal than "change the situation" or "change the picture." It suggests a new factor has altered how people calculate their next move. Writers often use it in politics, business, and strategy to sound precise.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- thay đổi cách tính
- Spanish
- cambiar el cálculo
- Chinese
- 改变局势
- Japanese
- 状況を変える
- Korean
- 판도를 바꾸다
Etymology
This phrase uses "calculus" in its older sense of a way of calculating or weighing choices. It became common in political and business writing in the late 20th century.
Common phrases
change the calculusrecalculate the calculusthe calculus changes
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is "change the calculus" formal or informal?
- It is fairly formal and common in writing, news, and business discussions.
- Can I use it in everyday speech?
- You can, but it may sound a little serious or political in casual talk.
- Is it the same as "change the situation"?
- Not exactly. It means a new factor changes how people decide what to do.