Differences between fall back on and seize on

Fall back on means to rely on something as a last resort or backup plan, while seize on means to take advantage of an opportunity or idea quickly and eagerly.

Meanings and Definitions: fall back on vs seize on

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Fall back on

1Be able to use in an emergency.
bank to FALL BACK ON when I lost my job.

Seize on

1To take advantage of or make use of something.
Carpenter is waiting for an opportunity to seize on something useful.
2To take advantage of or exploit.
Companies were quick to seize on the possibilities offered by new technology.

Usage Examples: fall back on, seize on in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

fall back on

Example

If I lose my job, I can fall back on my savings.

Example

She falls back on her family for support when times are tough.

seize on

Example

She always seizes on any chance to improve her skills.

Example

He seizes on every opportunity to network with influential people.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Fall back on

have a fallback

To have a backup plan or alternative option in case the primary plan fails.

Example

She always has a fallback plan in case her business doesn't succeed.

resort to

To turn to something as a last option or solution.

Example

When he couldn't find a job, he resorted to selling his belongings to make ends meet.

depend on

To rely on someone or something for support or assistance.

Example

She depends on her family for emotional support during difficult times.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Seize on

jump at

To eagerly accept or take advantage of an opportunity.

Example

When he was offered a promotion, he jumped at the chance to advance his career.

capitalize on

To take advantage of a situation or opportunity to achieve a desired outcome.

Example

The company decided to capitalize on the trend of eco-friendly products by launching a new line of sustainable products.

grab hold of

To seize or take advantage of an opportunity or idea quickly and eagerly.

Example

She grabbed hold of the opportunity to study abroad and had a life-changing experience.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “fall”

Phrasal Verbs with “seize”

seize up

Phrasal Verbs with “on”

Differences in fall back on vs seize on: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: fall back on or seize on?

Both phrases are used in everyday conversation, but fall back on is more common. It's a phrase that people use often when they talk about having a backup plan or a safety net. Seize on is less common, but it's still used frequently in conversations where people discuss taking advantage of opportunities.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of fall back on and seize on

Both fall back on and seize on are informal phrases that are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. However, seize on can be used in more formal settings like business or academic contexts to convey a sense of enthusiasm or eagerness.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of fall back on and seize on

The tone of fall back on and seize on can differ based on context. Fall back on often carries a negative or pessimistic tone when related to relying on a backup plan, while seize on typically has a positive and enthusiastic tone, especially when referring to taking advantage of an opportunity.

fall back on & seize on: Synonyms and Antonyms

Fall back on

Synonyms

rely on
depend on
resort to
turn to
lean on
count on
trust in
use as a last resort

Antonyms

Seize on

Synonyms

exploit
utilize
leverage
take advantage of
capitalize on
make use of
embrace
jump on

Antonyms