seizing an opening

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seizing an opening" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of taking advantage of an opportunity that presents itself. Example: "The team was quick to seize an opening in the market, launching their new product ahead of competitors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

This was a typical instance of Howes seizing an opening.

The Guardian

In effect they were seizing an opening from the president's former budget director, Peter R. Orszag.

The New York Times

Seizing an Opening By July, Joshua could no longer lift his arms.

The New York Times - Health

LAS VEGAS — Seizing an opening to rewrite the nation's immigration laws, President Obama challenged Congress on Tuesday to act swiftly to put 11 million illegal immigrants living in the United States on a clear path to citizenship.

The New York Times

Fuld, who went 0 for 4 Tuesday to drop to.368, has batted leadoff for every Rays victory this season, seizing an opening created by the departure of Manny Ramirez, who retired rather than face a 100-game suspension for failing a steroids test.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

So Senate Republicans seized an opening for compromise with Senate Democrats, effectively imposing it on the House.

The New York Times

But then the Celtics disclosed that Kevin Garnett would miss the playoffs with an injured knee, and Chicago seized an opening.

The New York Times - Sports

No other Republican, he said, had Newt's ability to seize an opening and frame an argument in ways that people could understand.

The New York Times - Magazine

Democrats, swifter than in past elections to seize an opening, took the offensive on a host of issues, including education, health care and Social Security.

The New York Times

Amid mounting calls for Anthony D. Weiner to drop out of the race for mayor over his lewd online exchanges with women, Mr. Thompson and Mr. de Blasio are trying to seize an opening: to be the alternative to Christine C. Quinn, the City Council speaker, who is once again seen as the front-runner for the Democratic nomination.

The New York Times

But last week, backed by legislative leaders, sponsors smartly seized an opening created inadvertently by Gov. Jerry Brown.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seizing an opening" when you want to emphasize the proactive nature of taking advantage of a specific opportunity or circumstance. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "seizing an opening" in situations where a more nuanced or ethical approach is necessary. Ensure the context doesn't imply exploitation or unfair advantage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seizing an opening" functions as a verbal phrase typically used to describe the act of capitalizing on a presented opportunity. It commonly appears in news and media contexts, as shown by Ludwig, indicating proactive action.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seizing an opening" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of taking advantage of a favorable opportunity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, its suitability depends on the context to avoid negative connotations. Alternatives like "capitalizing on an opportunity" or "grasping an opportunity" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Therefore, writers should use this phrase thoughtfully, ensuring it accurately conveys the intended message without implying unethical behavior.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capitalizing on an opportunity

Emphasizes the act of turning an opportunity into an advantage.

making the most of an opening

Stresses maximizing the benefits from a favorable situation.

taking advantage of a chance

Highlights the opportunistic nature of the action.

grasping an opportunity

Implies quickly understanding and acting on an available chance.

pouncing on an opportunity

Suggests a quick and decisive action to take advantage of something.

leveraging an advantage

Focuses on using an existing strength to further one's position.

jumping at the chance

Conveys eagerness and enthusiasm in accepting an opportunity.

exploiting a situation

Suggests a more assertive, sometimes potentially negative, approach.

making hay while the sun shines

An idiomatic expression meaning to take advantage of favorable conditions while they last.

striking while the iron is hot

Another idiomatic expression indicating the importance of acting promptly when an opportunity arises.

FAQs

How can I use "seizing an opening" in a sentence?

You can use "seizing an opening" to describe someone taking advantage of a favorable situation or opportunity. For example, "The company was quick at seizing an opening in the market to launch their new product".

What are some alternatives to "seizing an opening"?

Some alternatives include "capitalizing on an opportunity", "taking advantage of a chance", or "grasping an opportunity", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "seizing an opening" in formal writing?

Yes, "seizing an opening" is appropriate for formal writing, as it is a grammatically correct and widely understood phrase. However, consider the context and whether a more formal alternative like "leveraging an advantage" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "seizing an opening" and "exploiting a situation"?

"Seizing an opening" generally has a neutral or positive connotation, implying smart and timely action. "Exploiting a situation", on the other hand, often carries a negative connotation, suggesting unfair or unethical use of a circumstance.