secure an advantage

USAGE SUMMARY

"secure an advantage" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means to obtain or gain an advantage in a situation or competition. Example: The team implemented a new strategy to secure an advantage over their rivals in the upcoming game.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Like Ronald Reagan negotiating with François Mitterrand, I used my ignorance to secure an advantage.

The New York Times - Magazine

Dishonest copiers move quickly to secure an advantage in a rapidly growing market, and their success, in turn, perpetuates China's copycat culture.

The New York Times

They suspected that Mr. Hodges might be trying to secure an advantage for Mr. Barnes, who would be expected to perform well in South Carolina.

The New York Times

While he is not charged with espionage, the indictment claimed he acted "with the intent to secure an advantage to a foreign nation".

The New York Times

The main purpose of early field fortifications, particularly among the Greeks, was to secure an advantage by standing on higher ground so that the enemy was forced to attack uphill.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Corruption is part and parcel of doing business in many of the countries in which Rolls-Royce operates, and with so much riding on each and every contract firms can come under enormous pressure to secure an advantage.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The G20 spying appears to have been organised for the more mundane purpose of securing an advantage in meetings.

The Guardian

But that game had been a struggle for the hosts, only Townsend's late penalty securing an advantage going into the second leg.

BBC

2 As for Caesar and Antony, on the other hand, they secured an advantage over Lepidus for the moment, because he had not shared the victory with them; yet they were destined ere long to turn against each other.

University of Chicago

And the importance that universities place on securing an advantage with apparel companies points to a larger arms race, which can land the deals in the news for reasons other than their record-shattering prices: They can be at the center of controversy, such as the alleged bribery scheme between Louisville and Adidas.

Forbes

To help secure an insider advantage, GCHQ also established a Humint Operations Team (HOT).

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to "secure an advantage", specify the area or context in which the advantage is being sought to provide clarity and impact. For example, "secure an advantage in the market" or "secure an advantage in negotiations".

Common error

Avoid using "secure an advantage" when the situation involves minor improvements or insignificant gains. Reserve it for scenarios where the advantage is substantial and strategically important.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "secure an advantage" functions as a purposeful action, indicating an intent to obtain a favorable position or benefit. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "secure an advantage" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes the act of obtaining a favorable position. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and Ludwig's examples highlight its usage across diverse domains, including news, academia, and business. When writing, remember to be specific about the context in which the advantage is sought and to avoid overstating the significance of the advantage gained. Consider alternatives like "gain a lead" or "obtain an edge" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obtain an edge

Similar to gaining an advantage, but suggests a slight, potentially decisive benefit.

get the upper hand

Suggests gaining control or a more favorable position in a direct confrontation or negotiation.

gain a lead

Focuses on obtaining a position ahead of others, emphasizing the aspect of leadership.

get ahead

A more general term for making progress, which may or may not involve competition.

establish superiority

Highlights the act of creating a state of being better or more powerful than others.

achieve dominance

Implies a more comprehensive and sustained superiority.

improve one's position

A broader term that encompasses various ways of making progress or gaining a better standing.

exploit a weakness

Focuses on leveraging vulnerabilities to gain an advantage, often in a competitive context.

capitalize on a strength

Emphasizes using one's own strengths to gain an advantage.

create an opportunity

Shifts the focus to generating circumstances that are favorable.

FAQs

How can I use "secure an advantage" in a sentence?

You can use "secure an advantage" to describe actions taken to gain a beneficial position, like "The company invested in research and development to "secure an advantage" over its competitors".

What are some alternatives to saying "secure an advantage"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "gain a lead", "obtain an edge", or "get the upper hand".

Is it better to say "secure an advantage" or "achieve an advantage"?

"Secure an advantage" implies a proactive effort to obtain a benefit, while "achieve an advantage" focuses on the result. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the action or the outcome.

What's the difference between "secure an advantage" and "maintain an advantage"?

"Secure an advantage" refers to the initial act of gaining a beneficial position. "Maintain an advantage" implies preserving an existing lead or favorable condition.