capitalize on it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capitalize on it" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to taking advantage of a situation or opportunity for personal or professional gain. Example: "The company was able to capitalize on it by launching a new marketing campaign that attracted more customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"The market opportunity is one of a kind, and it's up to us to capitalize on it," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

"We just need to capitalize on it.

The New York Times

Now's the time to capitalize on it.

The New York Times

We needed to capitalize on it.

The Guardian - Travel

They failed, in spectacular fashion, to capitalize on it.

The New Yorker

"There is no reason why we shouldn't capitalize on it".

The New York Times

That's the benefit of it, so let's capitalize on it".

The New York Times

But it moved quickly to capitalize on it.

The New York Times

He did, however, find canny ways to capitalize on it.

The New Yorker

"He could not capitalize on it because he had no business savvy.

The New York Times

"We've got influential people, and let me tell you, we capitalize on it," Ms. Fewell said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the ethical implications. While "capitalize on it" is generally neutral, in some contexts it can imply taking unfair advantage. Choose your words carefully.

Common error

Avoid confusing "capitalize on it", which means to take advantage of an opportunity, with 'capitulate', which means to surrender or give in. These words have vastly different meanings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capitalize on it" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of taking advantage of a situation or opportunity. It commonly appears in sentences where a subject actively leverages an existing circumstance for personal or collective benefit, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Sports

8%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiomatic phrase "capitalize on it" effectively conveys the concept of leveraging opportunities for gain. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent usage across diverse domains, especially news and media. When writing, ensure the context is clear and consider ethical implications, while avoiding confusion with similar-sounding words. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can confidently integrate "capitalize on it" into your writing to convey strategic advantage and proactive resourcefulness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take advantage of it

A more general way to express using something for one's own benefit.

make the most of it

Highlights maximizing the benefits or positive aspects of something.

leverage it

Implies using something to gain an advantage or achieve a desired outcome.

turn it to one's advantage

Focuses on changing a situation to create a benefit for oneself.

seize the opportunity

Focuses on the act of taking advantage of a specific chance or moment.

profit from it

Similar to 'cash in', but can refer to non-monetary profits as well.

cash in on it

Specifically refers to gaining financial benefits from something.

harness it

Emphasizes controlling and directing something for a specific purpose.

exploit it

Suggests using something fully, sometimes with a negative connotation of unfairness.

make hay while the sun shines

An idiomatic expression that advises taking advantage of favorable conditions while they last.

FAQs

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

The phrase "capitalize on it" is used to describe taking advantage of a situation or opportunity. For instance, "The company was quick to "capitalize on it" by launching a new product after their competitor's failure".

What are some alternatives to "capitalize on it"?

You can use alternatives like "take advantage of it", "leverage it", or "exploit it" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "capitalize on it" formal or informal?

"Capitalize on it" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "leverage it" might be preferable in highly professional settings.

What's the difference between "capitalize on it" and "profit from it"?

While both phrases suggest gaining from something, ""capitalize on it"" is broader and can refer to any kind of advantage gained, whereas "profit from it" specifically implies financial gain.