Take advantage of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Take advantage of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate making good use of an opportunity or resource for one's benefit. Example: "You should take advantage of the discounts available during the holiday season to save money on your purchases."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Take advantage of tax credits.

Forbes

Take advantage of experience.

WikiHow

Take advantage of discounts.

WikiHow

Take advantage of resources.

WikiHow

Take advantage of filters.

WikiHow

Take advantage of emoticons.

WikiHow

Take advantage of time.

WikiHow

Take advantage of breaks.

WikiHow

Take advantage of it.

The New York Times

Take advantage of sales!

WikiHow

Take advantage of personalization!

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone, be specific about what they should "take advantage of". For example, instead of saying "Take advantage of opportunities", say "Take advantage of the discounted courses offered this month".

Common error

While "take advantage of" generally means making good use of something, be mindful that it can sometimes imply exploiting a situation or person. Ensure the context is clear to avoid misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take advantage of" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action of utilizing opportunities or resources. Ludwig's examples show it's often used to advise or encourage making the most of available benefits or situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

74%

News & Media

24%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take advantage of" is a common and grammatically sound way to express utilizing opportunities or resources for one's benefit. Ludwig's analysis confirms its wide usage, particularly in Wiki and News & Media contexts. While generally neutral, it's crucial to ensure the context doesn't imply exploitation. Remember to provide specific guidance when advising someone to "take advantage of" something. Consider make use of, capitalize on or leverage as alternative phrases in more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Make use of

Focuses on the act of utilizing something for a specific purpose.

Capitalize on

Emphasizes turning something into an advantage or profit.

Profit from

Highlights gaining a benefit, often financial, from something.

Benefit from

Indicates receiving a positive outcome or advantage.

Leverage

Suggests using something to maximize an outcome or gain.

Exploit

Implies using something, sometimes unfairly, for one's own advantage.

Harness

Focuses on controlling and using resources effectively.

Seize

Emphasizes quickly and decisively taking an opportunity.

Cash in on

Highlights converting something into a financial gain.

Draw on

Suggests using something as a source of support or strength.

FAQs

How can I use "take advantage of" in a sentence?

Use "take advantage of" to indicate that someone is making good use of an opportunity or resource. For example: "You should "take advantage of" the free training courses offered by the company."

What is a more formal way to say "take advantage of"?

In a more formal context, consider using phrases like "capitalize on" or "leverage" to maintain a professional tone.

Is it always appropriate to use "take advantage of"?

While generally acceptable, "take advantage of" can sometimes imply exploitation. Consider the context and whether a more neutral phrase like "make use of" would be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "take advantage of" and "exploit"?

"Take advantage of" usually suggests benefiting from an opportunity, while "exploit" implies using someone or something unfairly for personal gain. The connotation makes all the difference.