he has seized

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he has seized" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has taken control or possession of something, often suddenly or forcefully. Example: "In a surprising turn of events, he has seized the opportunity to lead the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Yet he has seized life.

The New York Times - Health

But he has seized the crucial theme of the moment.

The New York Times

So far at least, he has seized the opportunity.

The New York Times - Sports

He has seized control of several supposedly independent institutions.

The Economist

And he has seized on the testimony of Mr. Pak.

The New York Times

Mr. Cruz has not run for office before, but he has seized on the national taste for insurgent politics.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Within a few years, he had seized the top job.

The Economist

By evening he had seized the initiative from the conspirators.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By the end of the preseason, he had seized the starting spot in the middle.

The New York Times - Sports

He had seized the momentum from Djokovic then promptly gave it back.

The New York Times

George Speight, a Suva businessman, said that he had seized power on behalf of all ethnic Fijians.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he has seized" when you want to emphasize that someone has taken decisive action to take control of a situation or opportunity. It often implies a sense of urgency or proactiveness.

Common error

Avoid using "he has seized" in contexts where a more passive or receptive verb would be more appropriate. For example, if someone simply received something without actively taking it, "he received" or "he was given" would be better choices.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he has seized" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating a completed action in the present perfect tense. It describes someone taking control or advantage of something, as shown in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

93%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he has seized" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that effectively conveys the idea of someone taking control or capitalizing on an opportunity. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is usable in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "he has capitalized on" or "he has grasped" may offer slightly different nuances, "he has seized" remains a powerful and direct way to describe decisive action. It's important to consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning, avoiding its use in situations where a more passive verb would be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he has capitalized on

Implies he has turned a situation to his advantage; focuses on the benefit gained.

he has taken advantage of

Similar to capitalizing, but can also imply opportunism.

he has grasped

Suggests a firm understanding and quick adoption of an opportunity or concept.

he has taken hold of

Emphasizes gaining control or influence over something.

he has commandeered

Implies taking control, often in a forceful or unauthorized way.

he has assumed control of

Focuses on taking a leading role or position of authority.

he has exploited

Suggests using something, possibly unscrupulously, for personal gain.

he has dominated

Indicates a position of power and influence, often surpassing others.

he has secured

Emphasizes obtaining something through effort or planning.

he has laid claim to

Suggests asserting a right or ownership over something.

FAQs

How can I use "he has seized" in a sentence?

You can use "he has seized" to indicate that someone has taken control of something, like "He has seized the opportunity to lead the project", or to suggest someone taking an object, like "He has seized the gun".

What are some alternatives to "he has seized"?

You can use alternatives like "he has capitalized on", "he has taken advantage of", or "he has grasped" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "he has seized" and "he has taken"?

"He has seized" implies a more forceful or decisive action than "he has taken". Seizing suggests actively grasping an opportunity or object, while taking can be more passive.

Is it always appropriate to use "he has seized"?

While grammatically correct, "he has seized" may not always be the best choice. Consider the context: if the action was passive or receptive, other verbs like "received" or "obtained" may be more accurate.