took advantage of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "took advantage of" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example: "The company took advantage of the tax loophole to lower their overhead costs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"People took advantage of that.

The New York Times

"We took advantage of opportunity.

The New York Times

"They took advantage of that.

The New York Times - Sports

"They took advantage of it".

The New York Times

Volkswagen took advantage of that.

The New York Times

Ludendorff took advantage of this.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They took advantage of this".

The New York Times - Magazine

Fass also took advantage of teenage trends.

The New York Times - Books

They clearly took advantage of the timing".

The New York Times

Not everyone took advantage of the cover.

The New York Times - Tech

Some opportunists took advantage of the tumult.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "took advantage of", consider the connotation. It can imply opportunism, so ensure the context aligns with your intended meaning. If the action is unethical, consider a stronger word like "exploited".

Common error

Avoid using "took advantage of" when a more neutral term like "utilized" or "benefited from" would be more appropriate, especially in formal or sensitive contexts. Consider whether your sentence might imply unfairness or exploitation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took advantage of" functions as a verb phrase. It typically describes an action where someone utilizes a situation, opportunity, or another person's vulnerability for their own benefit. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "took advantage of" is a common expression used to describe the act of capitalizing on an opportunity or situation, sometimes with a subtle negative connotation. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in a variety of sources, including news articles, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While it can suggest opportunism or even exploitation, the meaning depends heavily on the context in which it is used. Consider alternative phrasing, such as "capitalized on" or "profited from", to fine-tune your intended meaning and avoid unintended negative implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

used to one's advantage

A more formal way of saying "took advantage of", focusing on the benefit gained.

capitalized on

Implies a strategic use of an opportunity, differing in its emphasis on strategic action.

made the most of

Emphasizes maximizing the potential of a situation, with a slightly more positive spin.

derived benefit from

A formal way of expressing that someone gained an advantage.

profited from

Focuses on the gain or benefit received, highlighting the outcome more than the action.

seized the opportunity

Highlights the quick and decisive action of taking advantage.

leveraged

Indicates using something to its full advantage, often in a business context.

cashed in on

Suggests turning something into profit or tangible gain.

exploited

Suggests a more negative connotation, implying unfair or unethical use.

turned to good account

A more archaic phrase meaning to make something beneficial.

FAQs

How can I use "took advantage of" in a sentence?

You can use "took advantage of" to describe how someone benefited from a situation or another person's actions. For example: "The company "took advantage of" the new tax laws."

What's a less judgmental way to say "took advantage of"?

Depending on the context, you might use phrases like "made the most of", "capitalized on", or "benefited from" to avoid implying exploitation.

Is it always negative to say someone "took advantage of" something?

While "took advantage of" often carries a negative connotation, it's not always the case. Sometimes it simply means someone used an opportunity effectively. However, be mindful of the potential negative implications.

What is the difference between ""took advantage of"" and "exploited"?

"Took advantage of" can be neutral or mildly negative, suggesting someone used an opportunity. "Exploited" is always negative, implying unfair or unethical use of someone or something for personal gain.