seize opportunity

USAGE SUMMARY

"seize opportunity" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
It means to take advantage of something that has presented itself. Example sentence: Whenever an opportunity arises, it is important to seize it in order to succeed.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

The others seize opportunity when it beckons, but Benigni's middle-class man is passively overwhelmed by it.

The New Yorker

The male-dominated executive suite is really the result of women lacking the courage to seize opportunity?

The New York Times - Books

But Mr. Obama skated past his disagreements with Republicans to claim a broader mandate to seize "opportunity from ordeal".

The New York Times

Always quick to seize opportunity, Mr. Geffen could certainly reverse course and use his billions to buy or build a Hollywood enterprise.

The New York Times

We are over-optimistic, over-emotional, too readily influenced by the way a recent event has framed our thinking, too anxious to avert risk rather than seize opportunity for no other reason than this is where fast, intuitive System 1 thinking takes us.

The Guardian - Opinion

M.C.: I wouldn't call it a willingness to take chances -- I'm a pretty risk-averse person -- but to seize opportunity.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

In response, Jews relocated to seize opportunities.

The New York Times - Arts

He preferred to seize opportunities rather than to nurse grievances.

The New Yorker

Insituform is expanding to seize opportunities in the sector.

Forbes

Also you must seize opportunities because no one will seize them for you.

Chemistry Central Journal

Family members can better recognize and seize opportunities through information sharing (Barney et al. 2002).

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using the definite article "the" (seize the opportunity) when referring to a specific, previously mentioned event.

Common error

Do not confuse "seize" with "cease". While "seize opportunity" means to take hold of it, "cease" means to stop, which would invert the intended meaning entirely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seize opportunity" acts as a transitive verb phrase where "seize" is the action and "opportunity" is the direct object. In various contexts analyzed by Ludwig, it often appears in the infinitive form (to seize) or as a gerund (seizing), serving as a core predicate to describe a character trait or a strategic move.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seize opportunity" is a powerful and grammatically correct expression used to describe taking prompt action. According to Ludwig AI and the analyzed source data, it is a staple of journalistic and business writing, appearing frequently in outlets like The New York Times and The Guardian. It functions best when you want to emphasize a proactive approach to success. While similar to "take advantage of", it carries a more vigorous and often more positive connotation. Writers should be careful not to confuse it with the homophone "cease" and can use the definite article "the" when referring to a specific instance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grasp the chance

Uses a more physical metaphor for securing a possibility

take advantage of the situation

Shifts focus toward the specific external circumstances

capitalize on the moment

Suggests a more strategic or financial gain from the timing

make the most of an opening

Implies maximizing the benefit of a specific gap or potential

leap at the chance

Conveys a higher degree of eagerness and speed

exploit the possibility

Often used in strategic or competitive contexts to denote full utilization

strike while the iron is hot

An idiom emphasizing the importance of immediate action

leverage the opening

Professional jargon focusing on using the opportunity as a tool for further gain

clinch the prospect

Suggests finalizing or securing a potential deal or outcome

harness the potential

Focuses on controlling and directing the available power of a situation

FAQs

How do I use "seize opportunity" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe proactive behavior, for example: "To succeed in a competitive market, one must be ready to "seize opportunity" whenever it arises."

What can I say instead of "seize opportunity"?

Depending on your tone, you might use "grasp the chance", "take advantage of" or the idiom "strike while the iron is hot".

Is it more common to say "seize opportunity" or "seize the opportunity"?

Both are correct. ""seize opportunity"" is often used as a general concept or trait, while "seize the opportunity" usually refers to a specific, singular moment.

What is the difference between "seize opportunity" and "exploit opportunity"?

While both mean to use a situation, ""seize opportunity"" has a more positive and heroic connotation, whereas "exploit opportunity" can sometimes imply taking advantage in a cold or unethical way.