Meaning & use
taking advantage
Last updated
“taking advantage” is a form of “take advantage”.
Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
Using a situation or person to get what you want, sometimes unfairly.
Grammar: Usually followed by 'of' + noun: taking advantage of the sale.
Patterns
- taking advantage of something
- taking advantage of someone
- taking full advantage of something
She is taking advantage of the free classes to learn Spanish.
He was taking advantage of his friend's kindness.
They are taking advantage of the low prices to buy a house.
phrasefixed phrasedisapproving
Treating someone unfairly to get benefits for yourself.
Grammar: Often used with 'of' and a person; strongly negative.
Patterns
- taking advantage of someone
- taking advantage of someone's generosity
Stop taking advantage of your little brother.
The company was accused of taking advantage of its workers.
Word forms
| base form | take advantage |
|---|---|
| third person singular | takes advantage |
| past tense | took advantage |
| past participle | taken advantage |
Common combinations
- take advantage of an opportunity
- She took advantage of the opportunity to study abroad.
- take full advantage of
- Take full advantage of the library while you're a student.
- take advantage of someone
- Don't let them take advantage of you.
Synonyms and how they differ
- exploit
- Stronger and more formal; it always means treating someone unfairly for your own gain.
- capitalize on
- Formal; means to use a situation to your advantage, often in business.
Opposites
Word family
- advantage noun
- Something that helps you or puts you in a better position.
- advantageous adjective
- Helpful or giving a benefit.
Commonly confused: taking advantage or take advantage?
taking advantage vs take advantage
Without 'of', it means to use an opportunity: Take advantage of the sale. With 'of' and a person, it often means to treat them unfairly.
Practice
Complete the sentence: She is taking advantage ___ the nice weather to go hiking.
Choose one answer.
The correct preposition after 'taking advantage' is 'of'. 'For', 'with', and 'to' do not fit this fixed phrase.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “taking advantage”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.