seize the moment

USAGE SUMMARY

"seize the moment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the importance of making the most of a present opportunity. For example, "Now is the time to seize the moment and pursue your dreams!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Did he seize the moment?

The New Yorker

So seize the moment".

The Guardian

Far better to seize the moment.

The New York Times

It was time to seize the moment.

The New York Times

So we need to seize the moment.

The New York Times

Once conversation begins, seize the moment.

The New York Times

Turkey itself must seize the moment.

The New York Times

Can Inslee seize the moment?

The Guardian

Just seize the moment, Derry".

The Guardian

Others seize the moment temporarily.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr Obama, however, appeared to seize the moment.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seize the moment" to encourage immediate action when an opportunity arises. It conveys a sense of urgency and decisiveness.

Common error

Avoid using "seize the moment" in situations that require careful consideration or planning. It's best suited for scenarios where quick action is beneficial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seize the moment" functions as an idiomatic expression that serves as an exhortation to take decisive action in the present. It emphasizes the importance of not letting opportunities pass by. Ludwig provides numerous examples that illustrate its use in diverse scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Sports

10%

Film

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seize the moment" is a frequently used and grammatically sound idiomatic expression that calls for immediate and decisive action when an opportunity arises. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and applicability across diverse contexts, particularly in news, sports, and film. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication, urging individuals to take advantage of present opportunities. As Ludwig shows, the phrase is prevalent in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, further validating its widespread use and acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make the most of now

Emphasizes fully utilizing the present time.

grasp the opportunity

Focuses on understanding and taking hold of a chance.

take advantage of the opportunity

Stresses benefiting from a given chance.

embrace the present

Highlights accepting and fully engaging with the current time.

jump at the chance

Implies eagerly accepting an opportunity.

capitalize on the situation

Highlights using a situation to one's advantage.

avail oneself of the chance

A more formal way of saying to take advantage of the opportunity.

exploit the opportunity

Suggests using an opportunity resourcefully, sometimes with a slightly opportunistic connotation.

leverage the circumstances

Highlights using the existing conditions to achieve a goal.

act decisively

Focuses on taking quick and effective action.

FAQs

How can I use "seize the moment" in a sentence?

You can use "seize the moment" to encourage immediate action or to emphasize the importance of taking advantage of an opportunity. For example, "This is our chance to "seize the moment" and make a real difference."

What's a more formal alternative to "seize the moment"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "capitalize on the situation" or "avail oneself of the chance".

When is it appropriate to use "seize the moment"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the importance of acting quickly on an opportunity before it disappears. It's particularly useful in situations where hesitation could lead to a missed chance.

What can I say instead of "seize the moment"?

You can use alternatives like "grasp the opportunity", "make the most of now", or "jump at the chance" depending on the context.