capture the market
/ˈkæptʃər ðə ˈmɑːrkɪt/
Meaning
This expression means to gain control of a significant share of a market, or to become the dominant player in a specific industry or demographic. It implies strategic success, high sales volumes, and successfully outperforming competitors. The tone is professional, ambitious, and strategic.
Examples
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With their affordable new smartphone, they managed to capture the market in developing countries.
With their affordable new smartphone, they managed to capture the market in developing countries.
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Our goal is to capture the market before our competitors can launch similar products.
Our goal is to capture the market before our competitors can launch similar products.
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The company's innovative marketing strategy helped them capture the market for organic snacks.
The company's innovative marketing strategy helped them capture the market for organic snacks.
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They hope to capture the market by offering superior customer service and lower prices.
They hope to capture the market by offering superior customer service and lower prices.
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By acquiring their main rival, they successfully captured the market in North America.
By acquiring their main rival, they successfully captured the market in North America.
Common Mistakes
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✗ They captured the market's share very quickly.
✓ They captured the market very quickly. / They gained market share very quickly.
Avoid mixing up 'capture the market' (dominating the industry) and 'gain market share' (increasing percentage of sales).
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✗ The brand captured the market of young people.
✓ The brand captured the youth market. / The brand captured the market for young consumers.
It is more natural to use the target demographic as a modifier before 'market' or use the prepositional phrase 'market for [group]'.
Related Expressions
Practice
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If we price our software competitively, we can ___ for small businesses.
💡 Gain a dominant share of this customer segment.
Show answer
capture the market
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Their latest electric car is designed to ___ for eco-friendly vehicles.
💡 Take control of the sales in this category.
Show answer
capture the market