to be seized upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be seized upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is to be taken advantage of or utilized, often in a context where an opportunity or idea is being highlighted. Example: "The new research findings are to be seized upon by the industry to improve product development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Mr. O'Neill's comments, however hedged, are sure to be seized upon by opponents of Mr. Bush's policy both at home and abroad.

The New York Times

"Epilepsy" is a Greek word, meaning "to be seized upon", and the illness has long been viewed as evidence of connection between human and spiritual realms.

The Guardian - Books

The moment is there to be seized upon.

The New York Times

Any crumb of comfort has to be seized upon these days.

The Guardian - Sport

But it is likely to be seized upon by academy critics as raising serious questions about the policy nationally.

The Guardian

Any admission is likely to be seized upon by private litigants in civil lawsuits, including class actions, with potentially devastating financial consequences.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

That anger is intensified if the CIA is seen to be seizing upon the leverage of 'national security' — traditionally a sure-fire way to strike fear into people who do not know any better — to throw indiscriminately a blanket over a multitude of sins.

Huffington Post

But the scholar feared for the environment and raised his concern in the local media.In China, where public debate on government policy is normally suppressed, any opportunity to speak freely is seized upon: Beijing's newspapers, mainly the more competitive tabloids, leapt on the issue.

The Economist

His intervention, although not intended to be politically controversial, will be seized upon by Eurosceptics who have long argued that judges in Strasbourg have too much influence on affairs in Britain.

Independent

Any hint of reassurance to the Iranian regime will surely be seized upon by his Republican rivals as a sign of appeasement.

The New York Times

If Herbalife's new auditor does seek to force a restatement, that will be seized upon by advocates of mandatory auditor rotation as support for their argument that auditor independence is inevitably compromised by long tenures of the incumbent firm, and that companies should be required to change firms every decade or so.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be seized upon" when you want to emphasize that something—an opportunity, a piece of information, an idea—is likely to be quickly and eagerly adopted or exploited by someone. It often implies a sense of urgency or anticipation.

Common error

Avoid using "to be seized upon" in overly casual or informal situations. It can sound stilted or overly formal. Opt for simpler alternatives like "to take advantage of" or "to use" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be seized upon" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that something is likely to be quickly and eagerly adopted or exploited. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate its use in contexts where information or opportunities are expected to be utilized by specific groups or individuals.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be seized upon" is a passive verb phrase indicating something will likely be quickly and eagerly adopted or exploited. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and best suited for neutral to formal contexts, such as news and media or scientific discussions. While alternatives like "to be capitalized on" or "to be taken advantage of" exist, "to be seized upon" often conveys a sense of anticipation and urgency. Remember to avoid overuse in informal settings for better clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be capitalized on

Focuses on exploiting an opportunity for gain or advantage.

to be taken advantage of

Emphasizes the act of utilizing an opportunity, sometimes with opportunistic connotations.

to be exploited

Implies using something or someone for one's own benefit, potentially in an unethical way.

to be grasped

Suggests understanding and taking hold of an opportunity or concept.

to be pounced on

Conveys a sense of eagerness and speed in taking advantage of something, often unexpectedly.

to be jumped at

Indicates a willingness and enthusiasm in accepting an opportunity.

to be embraced

Implies a welcoming and positive acceptance of an idea or opportunity.

to be leveraged

Focuses on using something to maximize its effect or advantage.

to be harnessed

Suggests controlling and directing something for a specific purpose.

to be made the most of

Emphasizes maximizing the benefits or advantages of a situation or opportunity.

FAQs

How can I use "to be seized upon" in a sentence?

Use "to be seized upon" when you want to convey that something is likely to be quickly and eagerly adopted or exploited. For example, "The new data were certain "to be seized upon" by lawyers representing former Vioxx users".

What can I say instead of "to be seized upon"?

Alternatives include "to be capitalized on", "to be taken advantage of", or "to be exploited", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "to be seized upon" formal or informal?

"To be seized upon" leans towards formal usage. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives such as "to take advantage of" or "to use" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "to be seized upon" and "to be taken advantage of"?

"To be seized upon" often implies a sense of eagerness and anticipation, while "to be taken advantage of" can sometimes carry a negative connotation, suggesting exploitation. The choice depends on the specific context and the intended nuance.