determined to exploit

USAGE SUMMARY

"determined to exploit" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing someone's strong intention to take advantage of a situation or resource. Example: She was determined to exploit every opportunity that came her way. Alternative expressions include "intent on leveraging" and "resolved to take advantage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Hoover determined to exploit this interim to salvage his presidency.

The New York Times

Lone actors are much harder to detect – something al-Qaida appears determined to exploit.

The Guardian

He appeared determined to exploit any political capital that Olympics euphoria might deliver.

The Guardian - Sport

Royal Dutch Shell is determined to exploit vast reserves believed to lie off Alaska's coast.

The New York Times

Obama's supporters are equally determined to exploit the 47% row to the full.

The Guardian

Clearly, the owner was aware of the parcel's pivotal position and seemed determined to exploit it.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

"Sadly, Republicans are determined to continue to exploit this tragedy in an effort to try and hurt her campaign," Podesta said.

The Washington Post

"Opportunities have opened up in Libya this year and we are determined to seek to exploit the opportunities to get to Libya, to get Scottish police officers in there and seek out any evidence that is available.

The Guardian

In a telephone interview from Beaune, France, where they had gone to sing in a concert performance of the opera, they seemed determined not to exploit the drama of their relationship.

The New York Times - Arts

He was determined, therefore, to exploit Russia's momentary weakness to cut it off from direct maritime contact with the West and to channel Russian trade through Swedish middlemen, thus enriching his impoverished exchequer with tolls and duties.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"If it can be proven in a detailed way that someone has made a considered and determined view to exploit various online networks to harm and perpetrate hate crimes against others then the accepted principles, rules and restrictions that are relevant to sex offences must surely apply".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In historical or political writing, use this phrase to describe strategic maneuvers or the seizing of a 'leadership vacuum' or 'temporary weakness'.

Common error

Avoid using this phrase when the goal is purely benevolent. While 'exploit' can be neutral (e.g., exploiting natural resources), when applied to people or social situations, it carries a heavy negative connotation of unfair treatment or selfishness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "determined to exploit" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a to-infinitive. The adjective 'determined' modifies the subject, expressing a psychological state of resolve, while the infinitive phrase 'to exploit' functions as a complement that specifies the action. According to Ludwig AI, this structure is standard and high-frequency in formal English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "determined to exploit" is a robust and effective tool for describing a firm resolve to take advantage of specific circumstances. Ludwig AI indicates that it is most frequently used in News & Media and Academia, often within political or historical narratives. While it can be neutral when referring to inanimate resources, writers should be mindful of its aggressive or negative undertones when referring to human interactions. Overall, it remains a high-authority choice for depicting strategic intent across professional contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intent on leveraging

More common in business contexts focusing on using resources strategically

resolved to take advantage of

Uses more formal vocabulary to describe a firm decision

bent on capitalizing on

Suggests a more aggressive or singular focus on the opportunity

set on utilizing

A more neutral alternative that focuses on use rather than benefit

driven to use

Focuses on the internal motivation rather than the strategic decision

steadfast in milking

An idiomatic and informal way to describe getting every last bit of value

aiming to harness

More positive connotation, often used for natural resources or energy

eager to manipulate

Focuses on the negative, calculating aspect of the phrase

committed to profiting from

Specifically highlights the financial or personal gain motive

fixated on tapping into

Implies an obsession with gaining access to a specific resource

FAQs

How do I use "determined to exploit" in a sentence?

You can use it to show strong intent, such as: "The company was "determined to exploit" the new market gap before competitors arrived."

What can I say instead of "determined to exploit"?

Depending on your context, you might use "<a href="/s/intent+on+leveraging" target="_blank" rel="alternative">intent on leveraging", "<a href="/s/resolved+to+take+advantage+of" target="_blank" rel="alternative">resolved to take advantage of", or "<a href="/s/bent+on+capitalizing+on" target="_blank" rel="alternative">bent on capitalizing on".

Is "determined to exploit" always a negative phrase?

Not necessarily. In technical or industrial contexts (e.g., "determined to exploit the oil reserves"), it simply means to make full use of a resource. However, in human contexts, it often implies a predatory or selfish motive.

What is the difference between "determined to exploit" and "intent on leveraging"?

While both mean using something to your advantage, "<a href="/s/intent+on+leveraging" target="_blank" rel="alternative">intent on leveraging" is usually more positive and common in professional business jargon, whereas "determined to exploit" sounds more aggressive or absolute.