capitalize

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "capitalize" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of using capital letters to begin a word or sentence, or to refer to the use of money to increase profits. Example: We need to capitalize on this opportunity by investing our resources wisely.

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Clinton, by choosing to project inevitability and experience, failed to capitalize on the excitement among young people, women and minorities at the prospect of change.

The Guardian - Opinion

American Sniper is the latest movie to capitalize on our insatiable hunger for stories about unstoppable commandos.

The Guardian - Opinion

Elections would help the DUP capitalize on its popularity - the party made huge gains on David Trimble's UUP in the June general election.

The Guardian

The other big news is that TV's latest rating juggernaut, Empire, will be back in the fall with an expanded 18-episode order that is being rushed into production to capitalize on the success it had this winter.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Both gaps are unusually wide for either party.Democrats were quick to capitalize on the news".The results on the generic ballot represent a sweeping repudiation of Republican stewardship," said Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chairman Jon Corzine (N.J ..Rep.

The Economist

Each member is shown to be utterly disconnected from the world around them, allowing the show to capitalize on their preposterous idiocy, especially in moments that they believe themselves to be sharing heartfelt connections.

Britannica

To capitalize on the international popularity of Hair, more rock musicals were mounted.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There he met Vladimir Potanin, who had worked for the foreign trade ministry and was eager to capitalize on the rapid privatization occurring as the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It employed a compressor with 71-percent efficiency and a turbine with an efficiency of 82 percent operating at an inlet temperature of 550° C. Norway's industry, however, was unable to capitalize on these developments, and no commercial units were built.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although he disliked their methods, Eisenhower allowed Republican campaigners, including his running mate, Sen. Richard M. Nixon of California, to capitalize on the Red Scare by accusing the Truman administration of disloyalty.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Her label was quick to capitalize on this success, releasing two albums of cover versions (previously recorded material)—Unchained Melody: The Early Years and You Light Up My Life: Inspirational Songs in 1997 before Sittin' on Top of the World reached the market the following year.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Remember that "capitalize" can also refer to using capital letters. Ensure clarity in your sentence to avoid confusion if using it in a different sense.

Common error

Avoid using "capitalize" when a more specific verb like "invest", "develop", or "exploit" would provide a clearer and more accurate description of the action. Overusing "capitalize" can lead to vague writing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "capitalize" is as a transitive verb. It requires a direct object and indicates the action of either converting something into capital or taking advantage of an opportunity, as illustrated in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

36%

News & Media

22%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "capitalize" is a versatile verb used to describe both financial actions and the act of leveraging opportunities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, including encyclopedias, news, and science. While primarily functioning as a transitive verb, it's crucial to choose the word carefully, ensuring it accurately reflects the intended meaning—whether it's about financial investment or making the most of a situation. Related phrases include alternatives like "take advantage of", "profit from", and "leverage", each offering slightly different nuances. Remember, clarity in context is essential to avoid misinterpretations. Choose specific verbs when possible to improve precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take advantage of

Focuses on using an opportunity, sometimes implying a degree of opportunism that "capitalize" doesn't always have.

profit from

Emphasizes the financial gain or benefit derived from a situation or asset.

leverage

Highlights the strategic use of resources or advantages to achieve a desired outcome.

exploit

Suggests a more forceful or potentially unethical use of resources or opportunities.

cash in on

Implies converting something into a financial benefit, often quickly or opportunistically.

make the most of

Focuses on maximizing the positive aspects of a situation.

build on

Emphasizes using existing successes or foundations to create further progress.

develop

Highlights growing the potential of some asset

fund

Emphasizes the financial aspect of investment.

utilize

Focuses on the practical and efficient use of something, without necessarily implying profit or gain.

FAQs

How can I use "capitalize" in a sentence?

You can use "capitalize" to describe taking advantage of an opportunity, as in "The company sought to capitalize on the growing market demand." It can also mean to supply capital for a business venture or project.

What does it mean to "capitalize" a cost?

In accounting, to "capitalize" a cost means to record it as an asset on the balance sheet rather than an expense on the income statement. This is typically done when the cost benefits the company over multiple accounting periods.

What are some synonyms for "capitalize"?

Some synonyms for "capitalize" include "take advantage of", "profit from", "leverage", and "exploit", depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "capitalize" and "take advantage of"?

"Capitalize" generally implies making the most of a situation in a positive or neutral way, while "take advantage of" can sometimes suggest a more opportunistic or even unethical approach. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.