to capitalize on

USAGE SUMMARY

"to capitalize on" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to take advantage of an opportunity or situation for one's own benefit. Example: They decided to capitalize on their success by launching a new product line.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

You need to capitalize on whichever ones you get".

The New York Times - Sports

"We have to capitalize on the ones that do".

Los Angeles Times

"We just need to capitalize on it.

The New York Times

We're going to capitalize on that.

The New York Times

"We want to capitalize on that attention".

The New York Times - Arts

Now's the time to capitalize on it.

The New York Times

"We need to capitalize on that".

The New York Times

We wanted to capitalize on that enthusiasm".

The New York Times - Magazine

We needed to capitalize on it.

The Guardian - Travel

We definitely want to capitalize on that".

The New York Times - Sports

It's time to capitalize on our investment".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to capitalize on", ensure the context is clear regarding what is being capitalized on and what the intended benefit is. Avoid ambiguity by specifying both elements.

Common error

Be mindful of the ethical implications when you "capitalize on" a situation. Ensure that your actions are fair and do not exploit vulnerable individuals or circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to capitalize on" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It's used to describe the action of taking advantage of a situation or opportunity to gain a benefit. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to capitalize on" is a commonly used idiomatic verb phrase that means to take advantage of an opportunity or situation for one's benefit, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is grammatically correct and frequently appears in various contexts, particularly news and business. While generally neutral, it's crucial to consider the ethical implications of the actions taken. Related phrases include "to take advantage of" and "to leverage", but these carry slightly different nuances. Remember to clearly specify what is being capitalized on to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to take advantage of

Focuses on benefiting from a situation, sometimes implying opportunism.

to make the most of

Highlights maximizing the positive aspects of a situation or opportunity.

to leverage

Emphasizes using something to maximize an outcome or gain a strategic advantage.

to benefit from

Directly indicates receiving a positive outcome or advantage.

to seize on

Emphasizes quickly taking advantage of an opportunity.

to exploit

Suggests using something or someone for one's own gain, often with negative connotations.

to profit from

Similar to "cash in on", but can also refer to non-financial gains.

to cash in on

Implies converting something into financial gain.

to harness

Focuses on controlling and utilizing a resource or force.

to build on

Suggests using something as a foundation for further development or success.

FAQs

How can I use "to capitalize on" in a sentence?

You can use "to capitalize on" to indicate taking advantage of an opportunity. For example, "The company decided "to capitalize on" the growing demand for electric vehicles by increasing production".

What are some alternatives to "to capitalize on"?

Alternatives include "to take advantage of", "to leverage", or "to make the most of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always ethical to "capitalize on" a situation?

While "to capitalize on" simply means to take advantage of an opportunity, it's essential to consider the ethical implications. Ensure your actions are fair and don't exploit vulnerabilities.

What's the difference between "to capitalize on" and "to exploit"?

"To capitalize on" generally has a neutral connotation, meaning to take advantage of an opportunity. "To exploit", on the other hand, usually implies using something or someone unfairly for one's own benefit.