tactic

Everyday

1. A planned action or method used to get a result. tree →
2. (tactics) The way players or soldiers are arranged and moved to win a game or a battle. tree →

In the lessons

In PE and sport, coaches explain tactics: passing, defending, attacking. In stories, a character tries a new tactic to solve a problem. In maths, a «tactic» can be a problem-solving method (draw a diagram, work backwards). Phrases: «a clever tactic», «change tactics», «scare tactics», «delaying tactic».

Examples

• Our coach explained the tactics for the match. tree →
• Crying was his tactic to get sweets. tree →
• Let's try a different tactic. tree →
• The general used clever tactics to win the battle. tree →
• Working backwards is a good tactic for some maths problems. tree →
• Scare tactics are used to frighten people into doing things. tree →
• The team changed tactics in the second half. tree →
• To what extent Hook is to blame for his tactics on this occasion is for the historian to decide. tree →

Note

Often plural: «tactics». Adjective: «tactical». «Tactic» is a short-term plan; «strategy» is the big, long-term plan. Do not confuse «tactic» with «tactile» (about touch).