are capitalizing on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are capitalizing on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing how someone is taking advantage of a situation or opportunity for their benefit. Example: "The company is capitalizing on the growing demand for eco-friendly products to increase its market share."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Now Cape Town — and one outfit in particular — are capitalizing on the descent.

The New York Times - Sports

Choosing the right soundtrack is one of the most powerful branding tools available, and film studios are capitalizing on this.

Forbes

And lawyers are capitalizing on the trend.

The Guardian

But the Mets are capitalizing on their opportunities.

The New York Times - Sports

Nonetheless, businesses are capitalizing on the area's new personality.

The New York Times

But too few companies are capitalizing on the opportunity.

Harvard Business Review

Shops like Cask and Kettle are capitalizing on the growing trend of home brewing.

The New York Times

Now, the creators are capitalizing on the craze with media, merchandise and licensing deals.

The New York Times

"The B.N.P. are capitalizing on the problems here by blaming it all on immigration".

The New York Times

Move over Stieg Larsson: Italian crime writers are capitalizing on "Scandinavian fiction fatigue".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Retailers are capitalizing -- on the consumer lust for status.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotation: while generally neutral, overuse can imply opportunism. Balance with other descriptive language.

Common error

Avoid using "are capitalizing on" when the benefit is unclear or non-existent. For example, avoid saying "They are capitalizing on the problem" if they are not actively benefiting from it. Instead, use "addressing" or "managing" the problem.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are capitalizing on" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a present progressive construction. It indicates an ongoing action of leveraging an opportunity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are capitalizing on" is a versatile verb phrase indicating the active process of leveraging an opportunity for benefit. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It's commonly found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts, with a neutral tone suitable for professional writing. Alternatives like "are taking advantage of" or "are leveraging" offer subtle shifts in connotation. When using the phrase, ensure the subject demonstrably benefits and be mindful of potential implications of opportunism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are taking advantage of

Emphasizes exploiting an opportunity, sometimes with a negative connotation.

are leveraging

Suggests using something to maximum advantage, often in a business context.

are profiting from

Focuses on the financial gain derived from a situation.

are exploiting

Highlights the use of something or someone, potentially in an unfair or selfish way.

are making the most of

Implies using available resources effectively.

are cashing in on

Focuses on quickly gaining profit from a trend or situation.

are benefiting from

Highlights the positive outcomes received from a situation or action.

are seizing on

Suggests quickly taking hold of an opportunity.

are harnessing

Implies controlling and using natural resources, especially to produce energy.

are making capital out of

Refers to transforming something into an advantage or resource.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone is "are capitalizing on" something?

It means they are taking advantage of a situation or opportunity, often to gain a benefit or profit.

How can I use "are capitalizing on" in a sentence?

For instance, "Businesses "are capitalizing on" the growing trend of online shopping" demonstrates leveraging an opportunity for profit.

What are some alternatives to saying "are capitalizing on"?

You can use phrases like "are taking advantage of", "are leveraging", or "are profiting from" depending on the context.

Is it always positive to say someone is "are capitalizing on" something?

While generally neutral, it can sometimes imply opportunism. The connotation depends on the context and whether the action is perceived as fair or ethical.