seizing the opportunity

USAGE SUMMARY

"seizing the opportunity" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means taking advantage of a situation or an opportunity that presents itself. Example: "She was not one to shy away from seizing the opportunity for a promotion at work. When her boss mentioned the opening, she immediately expressed her interest and landed the job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm just seizing the opportunity.

The New York Times

Oil companies are rapidly seizing the opportunity.

The Guardian

Still, many customers were seizing the opportunity.

The New York Times

Apparently lots of women are seizing the opportunity.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They understand the importance of seizing the opportunity".

The New York Times - Sports

But it's also seizing the opportunity to deepen this policy.

The Guardian

Seizing the opportunity involves first seeing the flaw in one premise of our current policy.

The New York Times

Furthermore, East Europeans are seizing the opportunity to diversify their energy sources.

The New York Times

But many enterprising Haitians are seizing the opportunity to supply services to the well-heeled newcomers.

The Economist

Today, countless startups are seizing the opportunity to build big businesses.

The Guardian

Seizing the opportunity, a strong-armed god dragged her out of the cave.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When "seizing the opportunity", clearly articulate the action taken to capitalize on the situation. This provides context and demonstrates proactive behavior.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the scale or impact of "seizing the opportunity". Ensure that the described actions align realistically with the context and potential outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seizing the opportunity" functions as a verbal phrase that often introduces or supports a claim of proactive behavior. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and commonly used phrase. Examples in Ludwig show it is used to describe actions taken to benefit from favorable situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Encyclopedias

12%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seizing the opportunity" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that describes taking advantage of a favorable situation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It functions as a verbal phrase, often employed in news and media,encyclopedias and formal business contexts, to highlight proactive action. While neutral in register, it conveys resourcefulness and strategic thinking. Related phrases include "grasping the opportunity" and "capitalizing on the opportunity", each with nuanced differences in emphasis. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly articulates the action taken and avoids overstating the impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grasping the opportunity

Replaces "seizing" with "grasping", implying a firm hold on the chance.

capitalizing on the opportunity

Focuses on leveraging the opportunity for maximum benefit.

taking advantage of the opportunity

A more direct way of expressing the act of benefiting from the chance.

making the most of the opportunity

Emphasizes maximizing the benefits derived from the situation.

leveraging the opportunity

Highlights using the opportunity to gain an advantage.

exploiting the opportunity

Implies using the opportunity for one's own gain, sometimes with a slightly negative connotation.

availing oneself of the opportunity

A more formal way of saying "taking advantage", often used in professional contexts.

embracing the opportunity

Suggests a more enthusiastic and welcoming approach to the chance.

jumping at the chance

Implies eagerness and quick action in response to the opportunity.

cashing in on the opportunity

Focuses on the potential for financial gain or other tangible rewards.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "seizing the opportunity" in a sentence?

To effectively use "seizing the opportunity", ensure the sentence clearly conveys the action taken and the benefit derived from it. For example, "She was seizing the opportunity to expand her business by investing in new technology".

What are some alternatives to "seizing the opportunity" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "grasping the opportunity", "capitalizing on the opportunity", or "taking advantage of the opportunity".

Is there a difference between "seizing the opportunity" and "exploiting the opportunity"?

While both phrases involve taking advantage of a situation, "seizing the opportunity" generally has a positive connotation, implying skillful action. "Exploiting the opportunity" can suggest a more self-serving or even unethical approach.

In what contexts is "seizing the opportunity" most appropriately used?

"Seizing the opportunity" is suitable in a wide range of contexts, from business and career discussions to historical narratives and personal anecdotes. It conveys proactive action and resourcefulness in any field.