advantage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "advantage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a benefit or a favorable position in a particular context. Example: "Having a strong network can provide a significant advantage in the job market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Among the last set of polls, three showed the main parties level-pegging, three had the Conservatives in front by a single point and one gave Labour a two-point advantage.

The Guardian

If the Conservatives' latest policy of a cut in national insurance was meant to give him a debating advantage against Vince Cable and Alistair Darling, the plan backfired in spectacular fashion.

The Guardian

Register now and take advantage of our 3 for 2 offer.

The Guardian

The reason for this conflict, Schelling explained, was that not wearing a helmet conferred a slight advantage on the ice; crucially, it gave the player better peripheral vision, and it also made him look fearless.

The Economist

The big banks have the further advantage of their brands, however tattered the brands may be.

The Economist

The memo goes state-by-state to lay out the ground game advantage.

The Guardian

And the constant pursuit of the economic and military advantage and superiority which scientific invention and technology confer is an essential component of a world-view that changes the realities on the ground.

The Guardian

The question about 2013 is whether that stalemate can be broken and to whose advantage.

The Guardian - Opinion

Labor introduced a controversial "no advantage test" on 13 August last year in an unsuccessful attempt to stop asylum boats from coming by insisting that those applying for refugee status in that way received no benefit compared with those who stayed in refugee camps in the region.

The Guardian

Brett Pitman could not take advantage after Teddy Bishop had inadvertently put the ball in his path and that was followed by two smart saves from Bartosz Bialkowski, firstly from Ryan Fraser and then swooping to his right to deny Ritchie's 30-yarder.

The Guardian - Sport

The battle over the site at Kings Cliffe is being seen as a test case for the rest of the country, as a growing number of waste companies hope to take advantage of the government's change of rules to allow such dumping to take place.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing competitive situations, consider using "advantage" to highlight a specific element that provides a favorable position, such as "strategic advantage" or "competitive advantage".

Common error

Avoid using "advantage" as a verb when a more appropriate verb like "benefit" or "favor" would be more suitable. For example, instead of saying "This advantages us", say "This benefits us".

Linguistic Context

The word "advantage" primarily functions as a noun, denoting a condition or circumstance that places one in a favorable position. Ludwig shows it frequently used in news and media contexts to describe benefits or superior positions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "advantage" is a noun commonly used to describe a favorable position or benefit. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "benefit" or "edge" exist, "advantage" specifically emphasizes a condition that increases the likelihood of success. When writing, ensure "advantage" is used as a noun, and leverage its ability to highlight strategic or competitive benefits. Its frequent appearance in authoritative sources like The Guardian underscores its reliability and relevance in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

benefit

Focuses on the positive outcome or gain derived from a situation.

edge

Emphasizes a slight superiority or favorable position.

upper hand

Highlights control and dominance in a competitive situation.

head start

Indicates an early lead or initial advantage.

leg up

Suggests assistance or an advantage that helps someone progress.

strength

Highlights a particular quality or attribute that provides an advantage.

asset

Refers to a valuable resource or quality that confers an advantage.

plus point

Emphasizes a positive aspect that provides a benefit.

favorable position

Highlights a condition or circumstance that is advantageous.

trump card

Highlights having a decisive advantage or resource.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "advantage"?

You can use alternatives like "benefit", "edge", or "upper hand" depending on the context.

How to use "advantage" in a sentence?

You can use "advantage" to describe a favorable condition or circumstance, such as "The team had the advantage of playing at home" or "Her experience gave her an advantage in the interview process."

Which is correct, "advantage of" or "advantage on"?

The correct preposition to use with "advantage" is "of". For example, "take advantage of" is the standard and grammatically correct usage.

What's the difference between "advantage" and "privilege"?

"Advantage" refers to a condition or circumstance that puts someone in a favorable position, while "privilege" refers to a special right or benefit enjoyed by a particular person or group. Although they can overlap, privilege often implies a social or legal dimension, while advantage is a broader term.