Taking advantage of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Taking advantage of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of utilizing a situation or resource for one's benefit, often in a strategic or opportunistic manner. Example: "She was taking advantage of the sunny weather to host a picnic in the park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Taking advantage of the panic, hostages began to escape.

The New York Times

Taking advantage of these opportunities isn't easy.

TechCrunch

Taking advantage of Japan's thriving fuck-doll home delivery service.

Vice

Taking advantage of the i.d.

European Journal of Immunology

Was I taking advantage of him?

The New York Times - Tech

"It was taking advantage of our community.

The New Yorker

"Twitter is taking advantage of this".

The New York Times - Tech

I said, "You're taking advantage of me".

The New York Times - Magazine

Was I taking advantage of my position?

The New York Times

It's taking advantage of opportunities".

The New York Times - Sports

They were taking advantage of people.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Taking advantage of", be mindful of the connotation. While it can mean simply making good use of an opportunity, it can also imply exploiting a situation or person. Choose your words carefully to convey the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "Taking advantage of" when you want to express appreciation or admiration for someone's skills or qualities. Instead, use phrases like "appreciating" or "valuing" to convey a more positive sentiment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Taking advantage of" functions as a gerund phrase functioning as a verb, often acting as part of a verb phrase. It describes the act of utilizing something for one's benefit, as supported by Ludwig examples showing use in news, science, and business contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Taking advantage of" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression that describes the act of utilizing opportunities or resources, though it's important to be aware of the connotation to avoid implying exploitation. Ludwig's analysis confirms that the phrase is commonly used in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, with a neutral register suitable for diverse applications. Remembering that "capitalizing on" or "making the most of" can often serve as suitable alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Capitalizing on

Focuses on turning something into an advantage.

Utilizing

Stresses practical and efficient use.

Leveraging

Emphasizes strategic use for maximum benefit.

Making the most of

Highlights the positive aspect of maximizing potential.

Seizing

Implies quickly grasping an opportunity.

Harnessing

Implies controlling and directing something for a specific purpose.

Profiting from

Focuses on gaining benefits, often financial.

Drawing on

Suggests using something as a source of support or information.

Exploiting

Suggests using something unfairly or selfishly.

Cashing in on

Focuses on converting something into profit or gain.

FAQs

How to use "Taking advantage of" in a sentence?

"Taking advantage of" is typically followed by a noun or pronoun that represents the opportunity or resource being utilized. For example, "She is "taking advantage of" the summer weather to travel."

What can I say instead of "Taking advantage of"?

You can use alternatives like "capitalizing on", "leveraging", or "making the most of" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "Taking advantage of"?

It's appropriate to use "Taking advantage of" when you want to describe utilizing a situation, opportunity, or resource for your own benefit. Be mindful of the context, as it can sometimes imply exploitation.

What is the difference between "Taking advantage of" and "Exploiting"?

While both phrases involve using something for one's benefit, "Taking advantage of" can be neutral or positive, implying skillful utilization. "Exploiting", on the other hand, almost always has a negative connotation, suggesting unfair or unethical use.