capitalize on

USAGE SUMMARY

"capitalize on" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to the act of taking advantage of an opportunity. For example, "The company sought to capitalize on the recent demand for their products by launching a new line of products."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Can the Giants fully capitalize on this?

The New York Times

The Torches capitalize on unsuspecting fans.

The New York Times

"We just need to capitalize on it.

The New York Times

We're going to capitalize on that.

The New York Times

"We want to capitalize on that attention".

The New York Times - Arts

We capitalize on their mistakes".

The New York Times

Now's the time to capitalize on it.

The New York Times

"We need to capitalize on that".

The New York Times

Will they capitalize on the latter's return?

The Guardian - Sport

We wanted to capitalize on that enthusiasm".

The New York Times - Magazine

Some can capitalize on their family names.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "capitalize on", clearly identify the specific opportunity or advantage you are aiming to exploit. Providing context makes your writing more precise and impactful.

Common error

While "capitalize on" is a useful phrase, avoid using it repetitively in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "take advantage of" or "leverage" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "capitalize on" functions as a dynamic verb phrase, signifying the action of exploiting or leveraging a situation to gain an advantage. Ludwig AI indicates its proper usage in English, as demonstrated in the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "capitalize on" is a very common and grammatically correct phrasal verb used to describe the act of taking advantage of an opportunity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's widely accepted across various contexts, particularly in news, business, and scientific domains. While synonyms like "take advantage of" and "leverage" exist, understanding the nuances and potential connotations is crucial for precise communication. Remember to clearly define the opportunity and avoid overuse for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take advantage of

This alternative conveys a similar meaning of using an opportunity, but can sometimes have a slightly negative connotation depending on context.

seize the opportunity

Highlights the act of grasping a chance or moment.

make the most of

Suggests maximizing the potential of something, focusing on positive utilization.

make use of

A general term for utilizing something, without necessarily implying a strategic advantage.

leverage

Suggests using something to maximize an advantage or outcome.

exploit

Implies using something to one's own advantage, often with a negative connotation of unfairness.

profit from

Focuses on gaining a benefit, often financial, from a situation.

harness

Implies controlling and directing something for a specific purpose or advantage.

cash in on

Emphasizes the idea of converting something into a tangible benefit, often monetary.

build on

Implies using an existing foundation to further develop or expand something.

FAQs

How can I use "capitalize on" in a sentence?

Use "capitalize on" to describe taking advantage of an opportunity. For example, "The company sought to "capitalize on" the growing demand for electric vehicles."

What can I say instead of "capitalize on"?

You can use alternatives like "take advantage of", "leverage", or "profit from" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "capitalize on" in formal writing?

Yes, "capitalize on" is acceptable in formal writing. However, consider the specific context and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall tone. Alternatives like "leverage" might be preferable in some cases.

What's the difference between "capitalize on" and "take advantage of"?

While similar, "take advantage of" can sometimes carry a negative connotation, suggesting exploitation. "Capitalize on" is generally more neutral, implying a strategic use of an opportunity.