are taking advantage of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are taking advantage of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing situations where someone is exploiting a resource, opportunity, or situation for their benefit. Example: "Some companies are taking advantage of the current market trends to increase their profits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Teams are taking advantage of that".

The New York Times - Sports

People are taking advantage of them.

The New York Times

They are taking advantage of misconceptions".

The Guardian - Money

They are taking advantage of the disillusion of voters.

The Guardian

Clever buyers are taking advantage of the lull.

The New York Times - Arts

Directors are taking advantage of these artists' sensibilities.

The Guardian - Film

"Some people are taking advantage of free events," he said.

The New York Times

Others are taking advantage of the situation to promote themselves.

The New York Times - Travel

"And the Tibetans are taking advantage of this".

The New York Times

"They are taking advantage of people's anxiety about the war".

The New Yorker

Now, the coupons are taking advantage of the shoppers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are taking advantage of", be mindful of the context and potential negative connotations. Consider whether "capitalizing on" or "leveraging" might be more appropriate if you want to avoid implying exploitation.

Common error

Avoid using "are taking advantage of" when a more neutral or positive phrasing would be more suitable. Overusing it in negative contexts can make your writing sound overly critical or accusatory. Choose words like "utilizing" or "benefiting from" if you need to imply a non-judgmental approach.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are taking advantage of" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a present continuous tense construction, indicating an ongoing action. It requires a subject and is followed by the preposition "of" to connect to the object being exploited, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are taking advantage of" is a commonly used and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the exploitation of opportunities, resources, or vulnerabilities. While the phrase is generally neutral, it can carry negative connotations depending on the context. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase is frequently found in News & Media and Academic sources, indicating its versatility in various writing styles. Therefore, writers must be mindful of the potential implications when using "are taking advantage of", and consider alternative phrasings like "are capitalizing on" or "are leveraging" to fine-tune the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are capitalizing on

Emphasizes seizing an opportunity for benefit, similar to but with a stronger connotation of business or investment.

are exploiting

Highlights the act of using something unfairly or selfishly, adding a negative tone.

are leveraging

Focuses on using resources or opportunities to achieve a particular goal or advantage.

are making the most of

Implies a positive approach to utilizing available resources fully and effectively.

are profiting from

Specifically suggests gaining financial benefit from a situation, often with a neutral or slightly negative connotation.

are turning to their advantage

Focuses on converting a situation or resource into a beneficial outcome.

are cashing in on

Suggests quickly gaining profit from a popular or trending situation.

are using to their benefit

A more general way of saying that something is being utilized for a positive outcome.

are harnessing

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

are availing themselves of

A formal way of saying someone is making use of an opportunity or facility.

FAQs

How can I use "are taking advantage of" in a sentence?

You can use "are taking advantage of" to describe situations where individuals or entities are exploiting resources, opportunities, or even other people for their own gain. For example, "Some companies "are taking advantage of" the current market trends to increase their profits."

What are some alternatives to "are taking advantage of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "are capitalizing on", "are leveraging", or "are exploiting" to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

When is it appropriate to use "are taking advantage of"?

"Are taking advantage of" is appropriate when you want to highlight that someone is using a situation or resource in a way that might be seen as opportunistic or even unfair. Be aware that it can sometimes have a negative connotation.

Is "are taking advantage of" grammatically correct?

Yes, "are taking advantage of" is grammatically correct. The Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, as shown in numerous examples from reputable sources.