making the most of

USAGE SUMMARY

"making the most of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English and can be used in a variety of contexts.
For example, you could say: "She was determined to make the most of her time by completing her to-do list before the end of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Making the most of what you've got.

The New Yorker

We're making the most of our opportunity".

The New York Times

Coles is making the most of it.

The New York Times - Sports

And he's making the most of it.

The New York Times - Sports

Here's to making the most of a life, interrupted.

The New York Times

That's not "making the most of your money".

The New York Times

A weekly podcast on making the most of technology.

The New York Times

Film is also making the most of its secondary advantages.

The Guardian - Film

My money is on him making the most of it.

The Guardian - Sport

But he is making the most of what he has.

The New York Times

Kapur is making the most of the friendlier front nine.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When facing limitations, use "making the most of" to convey a proactive approach to optimizing available resources or opportunities, showing resilience and resourcefulness.

Common error

Avoid using "making the most of" exclusively in positive scenarios. It's also applicable when facing adversity, demonstrating resilience and determination to improve challenging situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "making the most of" functions as a verbal phrase or idiomatic expression, often used to describe the act of utilizing available opportunities or resources in the most beneficial or effective way. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "making the most of" is a versatile and common phrase used to describe the act of maximizing opportunities or resources. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used across varied sources, including news media and academia. Its communicative purpose often involves encouraging or describing proactive and resourceful behavior. While appropriate for formal contexts, it maintains a neutral tone, making it suitable for informal settings as well. When using the phrase, consider its applicability beyond positive contexts to also encompass challenging situations, showcasing resilience. Remember, "taking advantage of" has a different connotation and should not be confused with this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Making good use of

Highlights the effective and beneficial use of something.

Taking full advantage of

Emphasizes using all available resources or opportunities.

Capitalizing on

Focuses on actively exploiting an opportunity for gain.

Maximizing

Highlights achieving the greatest possible outcome or quantity.

Leveraging

Implies using something to gain an advantage or achieve a goal.

Optimizing

Stresses achieving the best possible result or arrangement.

Deriving maximum benefit from

Focuses on obtaining the greatest possible advantage or gain.

Harnessing

Focuses on controlling and using natural resources or energy.

Profiting from

Emphasizes gaining benefits, often financial, from a situation.

Exploiting

Suggests using something, sometimes with a negative connotation, for one's own benefit.

FAQs

How can I use "making the most of" in a sentence?

You can use "making the most of" to describe efficiently using resources or opportunities, such as in the sentence, "She is "making the most of her education" by actively participating in class and seeking extra help when needed."

What are some alternatives to "making the most of"?

Some alternatives to "making the most of" include "capitalizing on", "taking full advantage of", and "maximizing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "making the most of" in formal writing?

Yes, "making the most of" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a neutral phrase that can be used in various contexts, including academic, business, and journalistic writing.

What is the difference between "making the most of" and "taking advantage of"?

"Making the most of" generally implies using resources or opportunities wisely and positively. "Taking advantage of" can have a negative connotation, suggesting that someone is unfairly benefiting from a situation or someone else's vulnerability.