to seize the advantage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to seize the advantage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one is discussing taking an opportunity or gaining a favorable position in a situation. Example: "In competitive sports, teams must learn to seize the advantage when it presents itself to secure victory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

But, in the realm of food, Alma sees a chance to seize the advantage.

The New Yorker

They are risky and give opponents too many opportunities to seize the advantage.

The New York Times

Now it is trying to seize the advantage: the cavalry division, the core of Mr Oviedo's support, is to be broken up and moved out of the capital.

The Economist

Too often, Japan's conservative and nationalist leaders have managed to spot the forces of change more quickly than their liberal domestic counterparts, and have used those changes to seize the advantage and preserve their power.

The Economist

The main question is who will benefit.Ambitious members of the BJP's state unit had hoped to seize the advantage and force the Shiv Sena into a junior position or even to break their alliance, believing the BJP under Mr Modi could triumph alone.

The Economist

She faced substantial opposition in the semi-final in China's Guo Shuang but was never fazed, pulling a daring move off in the second leg, diving under Guo on the penultimate banking to seize the advantage and seal her place in the final.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

They may have taken five wickets, but having chosen to bowl at the toss in favourable conditions for seam bowling, the onus was on them to really seize the advantage in this match.

BBC

And Mr. Gore had quickly moved to seize the political advantage, pressing for a more thorough count of the votes.

The New York Times

The culture of a workforce must be grown, cultivated and constantly challenged if a company is to seize the competitive advantage.

Huffington Post

The vice president's aides said his offer was partly an attempt for him to seize the public opinion advantage in what has become a daily battle of legal skirmishing over the airwaves.

The New York Times

Much will depend on whether businesses are confident enough to invest more and whether they can seize the advantage of a weaker pound by stepping up exports.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to seize the advantage", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific advantage is being obtained and how it will be used to achieve a desired outcome. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "to seize the advantage" when the action taken only provides a minor or insignificant benefit. Ensure the advantage gained is substantial and contributes meaningfully to the overall objective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to seize the advantage" functions as an infinitive phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier to express purpose. Ludwig's examples show it describing the reason behind an action, indicating an intent to gain a better position.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to seize the advantage" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon phrase used to convey the strategic intent to capitalize on an opportunity. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is frequently found in news and media contexts, although is appropriate for multiple registers. Related phrases such as "to capitalize on an opportunity" and "to gain the upper hand" offer similar meanings with varying nuances. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the advantage being obtained is significant and clearly defined.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to capitalize on an opportunity

Focuses on making the most of a specific opportunity, emphasizing the act of turning it into a benefit.

to exploit a weakness

Highlights taking advantage of an opponent's vulnerability.

to gain the upper hand

Emphasizes achieving a position of control or dominance.

to take advantage of a situation

General phrase about benefiting from circumstances, not necessarily implying strategy.

to leverage an opportunity

Similar to capitalize, but with a connotation of using existing resources to amplify the benefit.

to press one's advantage

Focuses on actively building on an existing lead or favorable circumstance.

to build upon strengths

Highlights leveraging existing capabilities for further gains.

to jump at the chance

Emphasizes eagerness and quick action in response to an opportunity.

to make the most of a moment

Focuses on maximizing the benefit from a specific point in time.

to grab the bull by the horns

Implies taking decisive and forceful action in a challenging situation.

FAQs

How can I use "to seize the advantage" in a sentence?

You can use "to seize the advantage" to describe a situation where someone is capitalizing on an opportunity or gaining a favorable position. For example, "The team needed "to seize the advantage" in order to win the game".

What are some alternatives to "to seize the advantage"?

Some alternatives to "to seize the advantage" include "to capitalize on an opportunity", "to gain the upper hand", or "to take advantage of a situation".

Is it better to say "to seize the advantage" or "to take advantage of the situation"?

"To seize the advantage" implies a more proactive and strategic approach, whereas "to take advantage of the situation" can sometimes have a negative connotation, suggesting opportunism. The best choice depends on the specific context and intended meaning.

What does it mean to "seize an opportunity"?

To "seize an opportunity" means to recognize and quickly capitalize on a favorable chance or circumstance. It implies being alert and proactive in order to benefit from a situation.