take advantage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take advantage" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it in a variety of contexts when someone is making the most of an opportunity or situation. For example: "He decided to take advantage of the company's tuition reimbursement program to get his degree."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Will we take advantage?

The New Yorker

Few take advantage.

The Economist

"We take advantage of that".

The Economist

Take advantage.

The New York Times - Food

Register to take advantage.

Forbes

Can Marimba take advantage?

Forbes

Take advantage of tax credits.

Forbes

Take advantage of experience.

WikiHow

Take advantage of discounts.

WikiHow

Take advantage of resources.

WikiHow

Take advantage of filters.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "take advantage of", ensure the context is clear to avoid any implication of exploitation. Be specific about what is being leveraged for positive outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "take advantage of" when the intention is to show support or help. Instead, consider phrases like "support", "aid", or "assist" to convey a more positive sentiment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take advantage" primarily functions as a verb phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe the act of utilizing opportunities or resources effectively. Ludwig's examples showcases usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

40%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take advantage" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe leveraging opportunities or resources. As Ludwig AI confirms, it finds application across various contexts, from WikiHow guides to news articles. While versatile, it's crucial to consider the implications, ensuring that usage doesn't suggest exploitation. Alternatives like ""capitalize on"" or "make the most of" can offer nuanced options to express similar ideas with varying degrees of formality and implication. Overall, understanding the context and potential connotations is key to effectively incorporating "take advantage" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capitalize on

This alternative emphasizes turning something into an advantage or profit.

seize an opportunity

This alternative emphasizes acting quickly to take advantage of a situation.

make the most of

Focuses on using something to its full potential.

utilize fully

This alternative emphasizes maximizing the use of a given resource.

profit from

Highlights gaining a benefit or advantage, often financial.

leverage

Emphasizes using something strategically for a desired outcome.

exploit an opportunity

This alternative emphasizes recognizing and pursuing a favorable set of circumstances.

draw on

This alternative emphasizes utilizing a resource or quality.

harness

Focuses on controlling and using something, often energy or resources.

exploit

This term can have negative connotations, suggesting unfair use.

FAQs

How can I use "take advantage" in a sentence?

You can use "take advantage" to express making good use of opportunities or resources. For example, "She decided to "capitalize on" the situation to expand her business."

What's a more formal alternative to "take advantage of"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "leverage" or ""capitalize on"" to maintain a professional tone.

Is it always appropriate to use "take advantage of"?

While grammatically correct, "take advantage of" can sometimes imply exploitation. Ensure the context is positive and ethical, or consider alternatives like "make the most of".

What's the difference between "take advantage of" and "benefit from"?

"Take advantage of" implies actively using something for one's gain, while "benefit from" suggests passively receiving a positive outcome. The former is more proactive, the latter more receptive.