to exploit

USAGE SUMMARY

"to exploit" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe taking advantage of a situation, person, or resources for one's own gain. For example: "The government took advantage of their citizens by exploiting their labor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The aliens proceed ruthlessly to exploit us.

The New Yorker

To exploit new markets.

The Guardian

And humans tend to exploit their power.

The Economist

It is time to exploit it.

The Economist

Not to exploit it.

The Guardian - Sport

Some want to exploit it for sightseeing.

The New York Times - Books

Opposition leaders sought to exploit the downgrade.

The New York Times

Any weaknesses for his enemies to exploit?

Independent

McConnell was able to exploit her alienation.

The New Yorker

China wants to exploit this privilege.

The Economist

We want to exploit that opportunity".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to exploit" when you want to emphasize the act of leveraging resources or opportunities, but be mindful of its potentially negative connotation of unfairness or selfishness. If you mean to extract the maximum profit without regard for ethics or fairness, then using this term will be useful.

Common error

Avoid using "to exploit" when a more neutral term like "to utilize" or "to leverage" would be more appropriate, especially in contexts where you want to avoid suggesting unfairness or harm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to exploit" functions as an infinitive verb phrase, typically used to express purpose or intention. It often introduces a clause that explains why someone is doing something, such as "They are trying to exploit it", as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to exploit" is a versatile infinitive verb phrase commonly used to express purpose or intention, often involving leveraging resources or opportunities. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in News & Media contexts. However, it carries a potential negative connotation of unfairness or selfishness, so it's important to consider the ethical implications and context when using it. Alternatives like "to capitalize on" or "to leverage" may be more appropriate when a neutral tone is desired. Always be mindful of the potential negative interpretation and choose your words carefully.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to capitalize on

Focuses on turning something into an advantage, often in a business context.

to take advantage of

Implies using an opportunity, sometimes with a negative connotation of unfairness.

to leverage

Suggests using a resource or asset to achieve a greater outcome.

to make use of

A more neutral way of saying to use something, without necessarily implying exploitation.

to harness

Implies controlling and using natural resources or energy.

to utilize

A formal synonym for using something effectively.

to milk

Suggests extracting as much as possible from something, often implying exhaustion of the resource.

to cash in on

Focuses on making money from an opportunity, often quickly and easily.

to benefit from

Highlights the positive outcome of using something, without necessarily implying exploitation.

to draw on

Suggests using a skill, experience, or quality as a resource.

FAQs

How can I use "to exploit" in a sentence?

You can use "to exploit" to describe taking advantage of a situation or resource. For example, "Companies often seek to exploit market gaps for profit."

What are some alternatives to "to exploit"?

Alternatives include "to capitalize on", "to take advantage of", or "to leverage", depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

When is it inappropriate to use "to exploit"?

It's inappropriate when you want to avoid the negative connotation of taking unfair advantage. In such cases, consider using a more neutral term like "to utilize" or "to make use of".

What's the difference between "to exploit" and "to take advantage of"?

"To exploit" often carries a stronger negative connotation of unfairness or selfishness than "to take advantage of". The latter can simply mean making good use of an opportunity, while "to exploit" often implies harming or unfairly benefiting at the expense of someone or something else.