by capitalizing on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by capitalizing on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate taking advantage of a particular opportunity or resource to achieve a goal. Example: "The company grew rapidly by capitalizing on emerging market trends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They have done so largely by capitalizing on their opponents' errors.

The New York Times - Sports

The way one maximizes their performance is by capitalizing on their strengths and their knowledge rather than trying to force them into molds.

Forbes

Democrats hope to win by capitalizing on Governor Ryan's woes.

The New York Times

Zambia's President, Michael Sata, won election in 2011 partly by capitalizing on anti-Chinese sentiment.

The New Yorker

But Seles took command again by capitalizing on Hingis's slightly improved but still inviting second serve.

The New York Times - Sports

Mrs. Clinton sealed her New York victory by capitalizing on solid margins elsewhere upstate.

The New York Times

But mostly the campaign is saving money by capitalizing on the benefits of incumbency.

The New York Times

The Yankees came back in the fifth by capitalizing on two breaks.

The New York Times

It makes up for that, though, by capitalizing on mistakes, often taking those mistakes back for touchdowns.

The New York Times

In 2008, the president carried North Carolina and Virginia, both longtime Republican strongholds, by capitalizing on demographic changes.

The New York Times

Pittsburgh has also adapted, in part, by capitalizing on what otherwise might be written off as a liability.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by capitalizing on" to emphasize how a specific strength, resource, or opportunity is being strategically used to achieve a particular outcome. Be specific about what's being capitalized on and what the resulting benefit is.

Common error

Avoid using "by capitalizing on" in vague or general statements where the specific advantage or resource isn't clearly defined. Overusing the phrase can weaken your writing. Instead, opt for simpler and more direct language when the benefit is obvious or implied.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by capitalizing on" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces the means or method by which something is achieved. As Ludwig examples demonstrate, it connects an action with the resource or opportunity that makes the action successful.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

42%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by capitalizing on" is a versatile phrase used to articulate how leveraging specific resources or opportunities leads to desired outcomes. As Ludwig AI correctly points out, it is grammatically sound and suitable for various writing styles, including formal and professional contexts. While alternatives such as "by leveraging" or "by taking advantage of" exist, "by capitalizing on" emphasizes strategic utilization. To ensure clarity and impact, specify the advantage and the resulting benefit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by leveraging

Focuses on using something to its full potential for advantage; emphasizes strategic use.

by taking advantage of

Highlights benefiting from a situation, sometimes with a hint of opportunism.

by making the most of

Stresses maximizing the benefit from available resources or opportunities.

by exploiting

Implies using something, possibly exhaustively or unfairly, for one's own benefit.

by harnessing

Suggests controlling and directing resources or energies effectively.

by maximizing

Focuses on reaching the highest possible level or amount.

by using to advantage

Highlights the use of something in a way that creates a benefit or gain.

by seizing

Implies taking hold of an opportunity quickly and decisively.

by profiting from

Emphasizes gaining a benefit, often financial, from a situation or resource.

by building upon

Indicates developing something further based on an existing foundation.

FAQs

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

Use "by capitalizing on" to explain how someone or something is taking advantage of a particular opportunity or resource to achieve a goal. For example, "The company increased its profits "by capitalizing on" the growing demand for electric vehicles".

What are some alternatives to "by capitalizing on"?

You can use alternatives like "by leveraging", "by taking advantage of", or "by exploiting", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "by capitalizing on" or "by taking advantage of"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "by capitalizing on" often suggests a more strategic and positive approach, while "by taking advantage of" can sometimes have a slightly negative connotation, implying opportunism.

When is it appropriate to use "by capitalizing on" in formal writing?

It's appropriate in formal writing when you want to clearly articulate how a specific opportunity or strength is being utilized to achieve a particular result. Ensure the context is clear and the benefit is well-defined.