seizes upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seizes upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone takes advantage of or focuses on something, often with enthusiasm or urgency. Example: "The journalist seizes upon the opportunity to interview the celebrity, knowing it could boost her career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Immediately, he seizes upon something.

The Guardian

The Ruff Club seizes upon this zeitgeist.

The New York Times

Mr. Rabb seizes upon this humor.

The New York Times

When Nussbaum seizes upon examples from her own life, she is vastly more persuasive.

The New York Times - Books

It seizes upon the grain and controls its purchase at the beginning of interstate commerce.

Cornell University

At each stage of his recovery, he seizes upon the things he can do.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

"It's an initiative the mayor seized upon," Mr. Carey said.

The New York Times

Still, Judge Rakoff seized upon the gaffe.

The New York Times

She seized upon the boredom angle.

Independent

Tasty facts can be seized upon.

The New York Times - Books

He seized upon the name.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, prefer the usage of "seizes upon" to show someone is actively and enthusiastically taking advantage of something

Common error

Avoid using "seizes upon" too frequently in formal writing where a more neutral term like "utilizes" or "employs" might be more appropriate. Overusing "seizes upon" can make your writing sound overly dramatic or biased.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seizes upon" functions as a verb phrase indicating that someone eagerly and quickly takes advantage of something, often an opportunity or idea. It suggests a proactive and opportunistic approach. As seen in the examples provided by Ludwig, it is commonly used to describe someone capitalizing on a moment or concept.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

21%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "seizes upon" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe someone quickly and enthusiastically taking advantage of an opportunity. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly found in news and media, academic writing, and scientific contexts. While the phrase is appropriate for many situations, remember to consider the formality of your writing and choose a more neutral alternative if necessary. Alternatives like "takes advantage of" or "capitalizes on" may be more suitable in formal contexts. Using "seizes upon" effectively can add emphasis to the proactive nature of the action being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

takes advantage of

This alternative is a more general and neutral way of expressing the idea of making use of an opportunity.

capitalizes on

This alternative suggests a strategic approach to profiting or benefiting from a situation.

jumps at

This alternative conveys a sense of eagerness and enthusiasm in embracing an opportunity.

grasps

This alternative implies understanding and taking hold of a concept or idea.

latches onto

This alternative suggests clinging to something, often with persistence.

homing in on

This alternative describes focusing intently on a target or subject.

zeroes in on

This alternative is similar to "homing in on" but emphasizes precision.

fastens on

This alternative suggests attaching oneself to something with determination.

makes the most of

This alternative emphasizes maximizing the benefits of a situation or opportunity.

exploits

This alternative implies using something, sometimes unfairly, for one's own advantage.

FAQs

How can I use "seizes upon" in a sentence?

You can use "seizes upon" to describe someone who eagerly takes advantage of an opportunity or idea. For example, "The company "seizes upon" the new technology to improve its efficiency."

What are some alternatives to "seizes upon"?

Some alternatives include "takes advantage of", "capitalizes on", or "grasps", depending on the specific context.

Is "seizes upon" appropriate for formal writing?

While "seizes upon" is grammatically correct, it may be more suitable for neutral or slightly informal contexts. In formal writing, consider more neutral alternatives like "utilizes" or "employs".

What does "seizes upon" imply about the action being taken?

"Seizes upon" often implies that the action is taken quickly and with enthusiasm. It suggests a proactive and opportunistic approach, in contrast to a more passive or deliberate action.