take advantage of

USAGE SUMMARY

"take advantage of" is a phrase that is commonly used in written English.
You can use it when discussing taking action to gain some sort of benefit. For example: We must take advantage of this opportunity to build a better future.

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We take advantage of that".

The Economist

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

Take advantage of emoticons.

WikiHow

Take advantage of time.

WikiHow

Take advantage of breaks.

WikiHow

Take advantage of it.

The New York Times

Take advantage of sales!

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to "take advantage of" something, be specific about what they should do and how it will benefit them. Avoid vague instructions.

Common error

Be mindful that "taking advantage of" a situation should not cross into unethical or exploitative behavior. Ensure your actions are fair and respectful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take advantage of" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action of utilizing or benefiting from something. Ludwig provides examples where it suggests making good use of opportunities, resources, or situations to achieve a desired outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

56%

News & Media

23%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "take advantage of" is a very common verb phrase used to describe the act of utilizing an opportunity or resource for benefit. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. While versatile, it's important to be mindful of the ethical implications and ensure actions remain fair and respectful. Consider related phrases like "capitalize on" or "make the most of" for alternative phrasing. Remember to provide specific guidance when instructing someone to use the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exploit an opportunity

Specifically refers to making use of a favorable circumstance.

seize an opportunity

Emphasizes quickly and decisively taking hold of a chance or advantage.

capitalize on

Implies turning a situation into an advantage, often in a strategic or opportunistic way.

make the most of

Focuses on maximizing the positive aspects or opportunities within a given situation.

make use of

A more general term for utilizing something, without necessarily implying gaining an advantage.

profit from

Suggests gaining a benefit or advantage, often financial, from a particular situation or resource.

exploit

Can imply using something to its fullest extent, but sometimes carries a negative connotation of unfair usage.

leverage

Suggests using something to gain an advantage or achieve a desired outcome, often in a business or strategic context.

harness

Implies controlling and directing something to achieve a specific purpose.

draw on

Suggests using a resource or skill that one already possesses.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "take advantage of" in a positive way?

You can use alternatives like "capitalize on", "make the most of", or "seize an opportunity" to convey a similar meaning with a more positive connotation.

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

While generally acceptable, be aware that in certain contexts, "take advantage of" might imply exploitation. Consider your audience and the specific situation to ensure your message is well-received.

What is the difference between "take advantage of" and "exploit"?

"Take advantage of" generally means to make good use of something, while "exploit" often suggests using something unfairly or selfishly. Therefore, "take advantage of" is generally more neutral or positive than exploit.

How do I use "take advantage of" in a sentence?

Use "take advantage of" to indicate making good use of an opportunity or resource. For example: "We should "take advantage of" the sunny weather and go for a walk."