seize a chance

USAGE SUMMARY

"seize a chance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to urge someone to take advantage of an opportunity that is presenting itself. For example, you could say, "Seize a chance to make your dreams come true and follow your passion!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

At a critical moment Homburg was able to seize a chance of routing the Swedes.

The New York Times - Arts

It's the way she felt, she said by telephone from Los Angeles, as she changed languages and home countries to seize a chance at reaching the wider world.

The New York Times - Arts

But you know that you're risking the maximum penalty if you keep quiet, because your partner could seize a chance for freedom and betray you.

The New Yorker

The Horatio Alger of graphic novelists, Telgemeier draws up-by-their-book-bags characters who value hard work and seize a chance that has nothing to do with looks or even with love.

The New York Times - Books

The trend, while not entirely new, is accelerating as the chains seize a chance to bolster their environmental credentials by cutting back on their use of electricity from coal.

The New York Times

In view of the energetic protest all over Germany against the missile deployment it may have been common sense for the Americans to seize a chance to look generous and responsive.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Proponents saw, and seized, a chance to move that idea forward.

The Washington Post

Many praised Joyce for his gracious response; others noted that Qantas had shrewdly seized a chance for free marketing.

The Washington Post

Seizing a chance to prove Mr. Reid wrong, he offered a motion allowing work on the bill to continue.

The New York Times

Here in north London they found that seizing a chance is sometimes harder than not having one at all.

The Guardian - Sport

Garibaldi's question first arose when James W. Quiggle, outgoing American consul in Antwerp, Belgium, seized a chance at glory by writing an unofficial letter to him in June 1861.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seize a chance", ensure that the context clearly indicates the opportunity being taken. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "seize a chance" in contexts where a negative outcome is desired. This phrase typically implies taking advantage of a positive opening, so misusing it creates a confusing contradiction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seize a chance" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of taking advantage of a favorable opportunity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It emphasizes proactively grasping an opportunity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

12.5%

Encyclopedias

12.5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seize a chance" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that describes taking advantage of an opportunity. Ludwig AI affirms its proper usage, highlighting its role in urging action. While not exceedingly common, it finds frequent application in news and formal business contexts. When employing this phrase, aim for contexts where recognizing and capitalizing on opportunities are emphasized, keeping in mind the availability of alternatives like "take advantage of an opportunity" or "grasp an opportunity" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Take advantage of an opportunity

Focuses on the act of utilizing a favorable situation.

Grasp an opportunity

Emphasizes quickly understanding and securing the advantage.

Capitalize on an opportunity

Highlights transforming an opportunity into tangible gain.

Embrace an opportunity

Implies accepting an opportunity with enthusiasm.

Jump at the chance

Suggests eagerness and prompt action in accepting an offer.

Snatch an opportunity

Conveys a sense of urgency and competition in securing something.

Avail oneself of an opportunity

A more formal way of saying to make use of a chance.

Exploit an opportunity

Implies using the opportunity, potentially with a connotation of self-interest.

Leverage an opportunity

Focuses on using an opportunity to amplify effects and achieve greater outcomes.

Make the most of a chance

Highlights maximizing the benefits derived from the situation.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "seize a chance" in a sentence?

Use "seize a chance" when you want to highlight someone's ability to recognize and act upon a favorable opportunity. For instance, "She decided to "seize a chance" and apply for the promotion" shows decisiveness and proactivity.

What are some alternatives to "seize a chance" that I can use?

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, you can use alternatives like "take advantage of an opportunity", "grasp an opportunity", or "capitalize on an opportunity".

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "seize a chance"?

While grammatically sound, "seize a chance" is best used when the opportunity being described is generally viewed as positive or beneficial. Using it in a negative context can be confusing.

What is the difference between ""seize a chance"" and "take a chance"?

"Seize a chance" implies recognizing and capitalizing on a clear opportunity, while "take a chance" suggests embracing an element of risk or uncertainty.