capitalises

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "capitalizes" is correct and usable in written English
You can use it when referring to the act of capitalizing a letter or a word, such as in the sentence: "The word 'computer' capitalizes the first letter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

During states of boredom, rumour capitalizes on minor events, magnifying them into occasions for exciting collective action.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is a special type of dating method that makes use of a microscope rather than a mass spectrometer and capitalizes on damaged zones, or tracks, created in crystals during the spontaneous fission of uranium-238.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Teaching based on cognitive theories of learning recognizes, first, the growth in quality of intellectual activity and capitalizes on this knowledge by organizing instruction to anticipate the next stage in development but does not await it; otherwise there would be no instruction; i.e., instruction should pace development but not outstrip it.

Encyclopedia Britannica

|  Phillips capitalizes on the Armory buzz by presenting one of its "Under the Influence" sales of cutting-edge art (March 31).

The New Yorker

March 16 2012 March 18 201212 From the team that dreamed up "Beauty in Motion," in 2008, we get another show that capitalizes on the charisma and the achingly beautiful lines of the Mariinsky ballerina.

The New Yorker

Oddly, a new book capitalizes on just that nostalgia.

The New Yorker

"Freakonomics," "Womenomics," "Obamanomics": how the publishing industry capitalizes on popular titles.

The New Yorker

Abbado capitalizes on his prior restraint: his orchestra has energy left to burn, and it becomes an innocent, physical beast, shaking off the despair that had brought it to a standstill a few moments before.

The New Yorker

Ultimately, the book capitalizes on way too many mass-anxiety-points to seem genuine: no one worries about anything more than their kids' futures, which we all know are doomed because of the crappy education system + the Rise of China + the Impending Fall of the American Empire + now us and our wrong ideas about parenting.

The New Yorker

Nobody spots flaws in his own work more swiftly than Carson, or capitalizes on them more effectively.

The New Yorker

He capitalizes on his reputation for understatement by saving huge sonorities for significant occasions; as a result, his rare musical outbursts seem not so much theatrical as visceral, as if they were blows sustained in real time.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure that the subject actively benefits from the action. For instance, "The company 'capitalises' on its brand reputation" is more effective than "The brand reputation is capitalised by the company".

Common error

Avoid using "capitalises" in passive constructions where the beneficiary is unclear. Instead of saying "The opportunity is capitalised", clarify who is capitalising it: "The entrepreneur 'capitalises' on the opportunity".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "capitalises" is as a third-person singular present tense verb. It indicates that a subject is currently performing the action of capitalizing or taking advantage of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides examples from various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "capitalises" functions as a third-person singular verb, indicating the action of taking advantage of or leveraging something. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely used. Analysis of example sentences shows the phrase is most frequently found in News & Media sources, followed by Encyclopedias, and Formal & Business contexts. The term carries a neutral tone suitable for many registers and contexts. While alternatives such as "takes advantage of" or "leverages" exist, "capitalises" provides a clear and concise way to describe strategic exploitation of opportunities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

takes advantage of

Focuses on exploiting an opportunity or situation, often with a slightly negative connotation.

leverages

Implies using something to its maximum potential, often in a business context.

makes the most of

Highlights the act of maximizing the benefits from a given resource or situation.

exploits

Suggests using something for one's own benefit, sometimes unfairly or selfishly.

builds upon

Indicates using something as a foundation to develop or expand further.

profits from

Specifically refers to gaining a benefit, often financial, from something.

utilizes

Emphasizes the practical use of something for a specific purpose.

harnesses

Suggests controlling and directing something, like energy or resources, for productive use.

makes use of

A more formal way of saying 'uses', often implying a strategic approach.

seizes on

Highlights quickly taking advantage of an opportunity as soon as it arises.

FAQs

How do I use "capitalises" in a sentence?

Use "capitalises" to describe the act of taking advantage of something, such as "The company "capitalises on" market trends to increase profits".

What can I say instead of "capitalises"?

You can use alternatives like "takes advantage of", "leverages", or "makes the most of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the opportunity is capitalised"?

While grammatically possible, it's better to use the active voice: "The company 'capitalises' on the opportunity". This makes the sentence more direct and clear.

What's the difference between "capitalises" and "exploits"?

"Capitalises" often implies a legitimate or strategic advantage, whereas "exploits" can suggest taking unfair or unethical advantage.