a defining position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a defining position" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a role or stance that significantly shapes or influences a situation, decision, or identity. Example: "Her appointment as CEO is a defining position that will steer the company's future direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

And he makes clear that, yes, "Who am I to judge?" is a defining position, but for Francis it is a stance rooted in a strong sense of mercy.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Individuals are more likely to accept a job if the overall WTP for a defined position is positive.

Human Resources for Health

And while he is not overtly political in the sense of occupying a defined position on the left or right, his subject matter has become steadily more political in the sense of its potential divisiveness.

The Guardian

The main challenge is generally to transfer vertical NWs to a defined position laterally and anchor them with metal electrodes.

Nanoscale Research Letters

MPSS provides a comprehensive assessment of gene expression by generating short sequence tags, each 20 bp long, produced from a defined position for each transcript.

Rice

The hand held device is placed in contact with the paper using a Perspex placement guide to make each measurement at a defined position.

Heritage Science

For all the peptide labeling, the dye needs to be attached at a defined position: N-terminus, C-terminus, or in the middle of a sequence.

Chemistry Central Journal

Each tag is derived from a defined position within a transcript.

Plosone

The forward sequence for each RAD allele begins at a defined position; the SbfI cut site.

Plosone

Indeed, these duplications in the genome split the assignment of the sequencing coverage for each copy and make it impossible to map a precise expression signal at a defined position.

Plosone

In the test, we started a playback stimulus when the subject was sitting in a defined position, meaning that it was licking on the nipple of the bottle while keeping its head straight and its hands on the wooden bar.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a defining position" when you want to emphasize that a particular role, stance, or belief significantly shapes or determines something's nature or direction.

Common error

While appropriate in many contexts, avoid overusing "a defining position" in extremely formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise or nuanced language that reflects the specific nature of the defining element.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a defining position" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "defining" modifies the noun "position". It typically serves to identify or characterize a role or stance as being critically important. The Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing stances rooted in mercy or roles that influence divisiveness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a defining position" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that highlights the significant impact or influence of a particular role, stance, or element. As Ludwig AI underlines, it denotes that something shapes or determines a situation, decision, or identity. While its usage is relatively rare, it is most frequently found in scientific and news contexts. Related phrases such as "a pivotal role" or "a crucial aspect" can be used as alternatives depending on the desired emphasis. Remember to use it thoughtfully, ensuring that it aligns with the formality and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a decisive factor

Implies that something is capable of determining an outcome.

a pivotal role

Changes the noun from "position" to "role", emphasizing the function or part someone plays.

a significant factor

Indicates that something has a notable impact or influence.

a crucial aspect

Focuses on a specific element or feature that is extremely important.

a key component

Emphasizes that something is an essential part of a larger whole.

a central tenet

Highlights a core belief or principle that is fundamental to a system or ideology.

a foundational element

Highlights that something is a basic and essential building block.

a cornerstone principle

Stresses that something is a fundamental and indispensable basis.

a critical juncture

Highlights a point in time or a situation where important decisions must be made.

a game-changing move

Emphasizes that something dramatically alters the course of events.

FAQs

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

You can use "a defining position" to describe a role, stance, or belief that significantly influences something. For example: "Her stance on climate change became "a defining position" for her campaign."

What are some alternatives to "a defining position"?

Alternatives include "a pivotal role", "a crucial aspect", or "a significant factor", depending on the specific context.

Is "a defining position" formal or informal?

"A defining position" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. Its appropriateness depends on the surrounding text and the intended audience. Consider alternatives if aiming for a very informal tone.

What makes a role or stance "a defining position"?

A role or stance becomes "a defining position" when it fundamentally shapes the character, direction, or outcome of something. It implies a significant and lasting influence.