a certain position

USAGE SUMMARY

"a certain position" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a specific job or role. For example, "John is looking to fill a certain position in his department."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"And she got in a certain position, sort of crouching down.

The New Yorker

It meant that everyone had to be in a certain position in relation to her.

The New Yorker

With hard fault at a certain position the attack complexity reduces to 255.85.

Journal of Information Security and Applications

Optional interlocking features allow both springs to lock into a certain position.

Microelectronic Engineering

Mr El-Erian sees himself as "a player-coach, playing a certain position and coaching others".

The Economist

The boys had to lie in a certain position, and at midnight they were woken.

The New York Times

"Something appears to be at a certain position, when in reality it is somewhere else".

The New York Times - Science

At night, he added, it would wake him up if he slept in a certain position.

The New York Times - Sports

More effective are campaigns aimed at generating news coverage to convince people that many other people hold a certain position.

The New York Times

In general, I regard blog posts as thinking out loud rather than definitive statements of a certain position.

The New Yorker

If I don't know what somebody looks like in a certain position I draw myself in a mirror.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a certain position", ensure the context clarifies whether you're referring to a physical location, a role/job, or an opinion/stance. For instance, specify 'a certain position on the team' or 'a certain position in the room' to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain position" without any clarifying context. Saying someone 'holds a certain position' is weak; instead, state their actual role or opinion directly for clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain position" functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun, indicating a particular but unspecified location, role, or viewpoint. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and broadly applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

35%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a certain position" is a versatile and frequently used expression that refers to a particular location, role, or stance without specifying details. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. Its usage spans various contexts, from News & Media to scientific research, with a neutral register. When employing this phrase, ensure the surrounding context clarifies whether you're referring to a physical spot, a job, or a viewpoint to avoid ambiguity. Being specific is always preferable, and it is recommended, where possible, to substitute "a certain position" with precise language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular location

Emphasizes physical placement rather than abstract roles or opinions.

a precise spot

It underscores the exactness of the place.

a set location

Focuses on the action of fixing the place.

a specific spot

Focuses on a precise point in space, less applicable to abstract contexts.

a designated role

Highlights the assigned function or duty more than spatial placement.

a strategic location

It emphasizes the advantage given by the location.

a defined stance

Pertains to an opinion or attitude, not physical location or job function.

a determined place

It is used to highlight the resolution to go to that place.

a fixed post

It emphasizes the concept of a job or duty.

an agreed location

Highlights the consent over the location.

FAQs

How can I use "a certain position" in a sentence?

You can use "a certain position" to refer to a specific location, role, or stance. For example, "The object was located at a certain position on the table" or "She holds a certain position within the company".

What are some alternatives to "a certain position" when referring to a location?

When referring to a location, you can use alternatives like "a particular location" or "a specific spot" depending on the level of detail you want to convey.

Is it better to be specific instead of using "a certain position"?

In many cases, being more specific is preferable to using "a certain position", as it provides clarity and avoids ambiguity. However, "a certain position" can be useful when the exact details are unknown or unimportant.

Can "a certain position" refer to someone's opinion or belief?

Yes, "a certain position" can refer to someone's opinion or belief, similar to "a defined stance". For example, "He maintains a certain position on the matter", meaning he has a specific viewpoint.