Strategy Is the Plan, Tactics Are the Moves
A tactic is a method for achieving a short-term aim. The Greek root means arrangement, and the distinction from strategy is worth keeping.
A tactic is a specific action taken to achieve an immediate aim. The pairing with *strategy* is genuinely useful and often muddled: strategy comes from the Greek for a general's overall command, tactics from *taktikos*, the art of arranging troops. Strategy decides which battle to fight; tactics decide how to fight it.
- A method for a short-term aim. *A delaying tactic.*
- Tactics — the plural, often used as a field. *The tactics of the campaign.*
- Tactical — the adjective. *A tactical decision.*
- Tactical voting — voting to block rather than support. *Tactical voting in marginal seats.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | tactic | A clever tactic. |
| Plural | tactics | Aggressive tactics. |
| Adjective | tactical | A tactical error. |
| Adverb | tactically | Tactically sound. |
| Contrast | strategy | Long-term strategy. |
- Delay was their only tactic.Singular.
- The manager changed tactics at half-time.Sport.
- It was a tactical retreat, not a defeat.The adjective.
Strategy or tactic?
- Strategy — the overall aim and approach, long term
- Tactic — a specific move serving that aim, short term
- Greek roots — *strategos*, a general; *taktikos*, arranging
- A common error — calling a single move a strategy
- The saying — tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat
Greek *taktikos*, of arrangement, from *tassein*, to arrange. English took *tactics* in the 1600s as a military term; the singular *tactic* is later.
What is the difference between strategy and tactics?
Strategy is the overall plan and its goal. Tactics are the individual actions used to carry it out.
What is tactical voting?
Voting for a candidate you do not most prefer, in order to stop one you like least from winning.