exploit something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exploit something" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to taking advantage of a resource, opportunity, or situation. Example: "The company aims to exploit new technologies to improve efficiency." Alternative expressions include "take advantage of" and "utilize."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

They use the memory of their son to exploit something politically," he said.

The New Yorker

Turing was thereby able to exploit something akin to the paradoxes of self-reference ("I am lying") and show that certain sorts of Turing machines could not exist.

The New Yorker

Until then, few physicists had noticed the brothers' theses or their journal articles, which purport to exploit something called the Kubo-Schwinger-Martin condition.

The New York Times - Arts

Having served 25 years in Congress, I know what Congress does when they have a chance to exploit something that looks bad on the surface".

The New York Times

If so, analysts said, such devices could emerge as one of the first products to exploit something other than the extraordinary strength of carbon nanotubes.

The New York Times

If [Lukoil has] other partnerships to exploit something new, not existing ones, it's OK.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

With hindsight, McCabe believes he was "possibly a little bit unfair on my dad – that I was maybe exploiting something he had to deal with".

The Guardian

Julian Chillingworth, chief investment officer at Rathbones, said: "Any longer-term input in the economy will depend on how effectively the Olympic stadia and related buildings are exploited – something China did not do post the Beijing games.

Independent

The fund-raising for refugees and the Bowie tribute earned the group more attention from the American press, but increased prominence only underscores the challenge of monetizing something like Choir! Exploiting something so intimate and special might undo it, and Goldman and Adilman seem genuinely more engaged with building than with selling.

The New Yorker

As the bombardment continued throughout exchanges, the Belgian's singular exploit provided something to hold on to while José María Olazábal's troops gathered the remnants of their pride and prepared themselves for a final day of hand-to-hand combat.

The Guardian - Sport

So the 5810 exploits something called the G.S.M./G.P.R.S network, the standard network type in Europe but a newcomer in the United States.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exploit something", consider the connotations. It can imply unethical behavior, so choose a more neutral term like "utilize" or "leverage" if appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "exploit" in formal or professional contexts where a neutral tone is required. Opt for terms like "utilize", "leverage", or "capitalize on" for a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exploit something" functions as a verb phrase where "exploit" is a transitive verb requiring a direct object ("something"). This structure allows for expressing the act of taking advantage of a resource or situation. Ludwig AI shows the phrase is mostly seen across news sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

23%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exploit something" is a versatile phrase used to describe the act of leveraging a resource or opportunity. However, its connotations can range from neutral to negative, depending on the context. Ludwig AI analysis and examples highlight its prevalence in news and media, science, and formal business settings. When writing, consider the ethical implications and choose alternative terms like "utilize something" or "leverage something" for a more neutral tone. Understanding these nuances will ensure effective and appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capitalize on something

Replaces "exploit" with a more neutral term, suggesting taking advantage of an opportunity without negative connotations.

take advantage of something

Similar to "exploit", but can imply a less critical or opportunistic approach.

leverage something

Focuses on using something to gain a strategic advantage, often in a business context.

utilize something

Implies making practical and effective use of something, often a resource or tool.

harness something

Suggests controlling and directing something for a specific purpose, like energy or power.

draw on something

Implies using something as a source or foundation, often knowledge or experience.

build on something

Focuses on developing or expanding something that already exists.

profit from something

Emphasizes gaining benefits or advantages, especially financial ones.

cash in on something

Suggests quickly converting something into a financial gain, often with a sense of opportunism.

make the most of something

Highlights maximizing the benefits from a situation or resource.

FAQs

What does "exploit something" mean?

"Exploit something" means to make full use of a resource or situation, sometimes implying an element of unfairness or selfishness.

What can I say instead of "exploit something"?

You can use alternatives like "capitalize on something", "take advantage of something", or "utilize something" depending on the context.

Is it always negative to "exploit something"?

While "exploit" often has negative connotations, it can also be used neutrally to mean making the most of an opportunity or resource. The negativity depends on the ethical implications of the usage.

How can I use "exploit something" in a sentence?

Example: "The company aims to "exploit something" new technologies to improve efficiency", or "Cybercriminals often try to "exploit something" vulnerabilities in software systems."