takes advantage

USAGE SUMMARY

"takes advantage" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone who uses a situation to their own benefit or gain. For example: "The company took advantage of the economic downturn by buying up their competitors for a fraction of the cost."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He promptly takes advantage.

The New York Times

The move takes advantage of those strengths.

The New York Times - Sports

Sprout takes advantage of that loophole.

The New York Times - Tech

"Everyone takes advantage of us".

The Guardian

The show's return takes advantage.

The New York Times

China takes advantage of us.

The Washington Post

The issue is which team takes advantage.

The New York Times - Sports

The government takes advantage of this.

The Guardian

This recipe takes advantage of both assets.

The New York Times - Food

Hardware innovation continues and software takes advantage.

The Guardian - Tech

Murray takes advantage to gain the advantage.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "takes advantage", ensure the context clearly indicates whether the action is positive (utilizing resources effectively) or negative (exploiting vulnerabilities).

Common error

Avoid using "takes advantage" when a more neutral term like "utilizes" or "employs" would be more appropriate, especially in formal or professional writing. Using the phrase incorrectly can imply exploitation where none is intended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "takes advantage" functions as a verb phrase, indicating that a subject is utilizing something, such as a situation, opportunity, or resource, to their benefit. As Ludwig indicates, the context determines whether this usage is positive or negative.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

34%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "takes advantage" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the act of leveraging a situation or resource, as determined by Ludwig. Its meaning can range from positive utilization to negative exploitation, making context crucial for accurate interpretation. Found commonly in News & Media, Scientific, and Academic writing, being mindful of the potentially negative undertones will lead to clearer, more effective communication. The phrase is generally correct, and very common.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capitalizes on

Focuses on the proactive aspect of turning something into an advantage.

leverages

Implies using something to gain maximum benefit, often in a business context.

exploits

Carries a more negative connotation, suggesting unfair or unethical use.

makes use of

A more neutral and general way of saying "uses" something.

profits from

Specifically indicates gaining financial or material benefit.

benefits from

Suggests receiving advantages or positive outcomes.

seizes on

Highlights the opportunistic nature of taking advantage.

draws on

Emphasizes using a resource or quality that one already possesses.

builds on

Signifies using something as a foundation for further development.

harnesses

Implies controlling and directing something for a specific purpose.

FAQs

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

The phrase "takes advantage" can be used to describe someone who utilizes an opportunity or situation, sometimes with a negative connotation. For example: "The company "takes advantage" of the economic downturn by buying up competitors." or "He "takes advantage" of her kindness."

What can I say instead of "takes advantage"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "capitalizes on", "leverages", or "makes use of". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "takes advantage"?

Use "takes advantage" when you want to emphasize that someone is actively using a situation or resource to their benefit. Be mindful of the potential negative connotation, as it can sometimes imply exploitation or unfairness.

What's the difference between "takes advantage" and "utilizes"?

"Takes advantage" often suggests opportunism, and can sometimes imply a negative or selfish motive. "Utilizes" is a more neutral term that simply means "uses effectively" without the implication of exploitation.