a rare position

USAGE SUMMARY

"a rare position" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is unique or uncommon. For example, "It's a rare position for a student to have an opinion on the effectiveness of the current government policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

West contenders were in a rare position.

The New York Times - Sports

Amazon is in a rare position among tech giants.

The Guardian - Tech

He found himself in a rare position -- not in control.

The New York Times

At the first intermission, the Capitals find themselves in a rare position of late: trailing.

The Washington Post

Mr. Fairey, a boyish 38, occupies a rare position for an artist.

The New York Times - Arts

Now Lil Mama, 18, is in a rare position in hip-hop: a female M.C. aiming to jump from dance-floor hotness to inspiration.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

"It's a very rare position they're in to excel at this level," said Ryneldi Becenti, a star at Arizona State in the 1990s who is the only female basketball player inducted into the American Indian Athletic Hall of Fame.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a very rare position where all state and territory leaders will put down the political badge and say what is the number one challenge we are facing?

The Guardian

"Four under has got me in the top 10 (joint eighth) which is a pretty rare position for me in this tournament.

BBC

I'm in a wonderful position as CMO, and it's a rather unique, rare position, in that I don't spend much time at all looking at revenue.

Forbes

On Monday, Ocean View found itself in a rare postseason position — trailing — but came back to post a 4-3 victoveroVictorctor Valley Ribbons (District 49, Section 8).

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a rare position" to emphasize the uniqueness or infrequency of a situation. This phrasing adds weight and significance to the statement.

Common error

Avoid overusing "a rare position" for situations that are only slightly uncommon. Reserve it for truly exceptional or unique instances to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rare position" primarily functions as a noun phrase, with "rare" modifying the noun "position". It's used to describe a state or situation that is not commonly encountered. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Arts

16%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rare position" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to emphasize the uncommon or unique nature of a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It commonly appears in news and media, as well as in arts-related content. When using this phrase, it's essential to ensure that the context genuinely warrants the description of rarity, avoiding overuse that could diminish its impact. Alternatives like "an uncommon situation" or "a unique advantage" may be more appropriate in certain cases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an uncommon situation

Replaces 'position' with 'situation' to emphasize the specific set of circumstances.

an exceptional circumstance

Substitutes 'rare position' with 'exceptional circumstance' highlighting the unusual nature of the event.

a unique advantage

Focuses on the beneficial aspect of the situation, highlighting the advantage gained.

an infrequent opportunity

Emphasizes the limited availability of the chance or moment.

a privileged status

Highlights the elevated or favored condition someone is in.

a distinct vantage point

Focuses on having a unique perspective or understanding due to the situation.

an isolated instance

Emphasizes the singularity and lack of recurrence of the situation.

an unparalleled opportunity

Highlights the unmatched nature of the chance, emphasizing that it is unmatched and cannot be compared to others.

an atypical scenario

Replaces 'position' with 'scenario' to emphasize the unfolding sequence of events or circumstances.

a singular juncture

Emphasizes the particular and noteworthy moment or point in time.

FAQs

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

You can use "a rare position" to describe someone or something that is in a unique or uncommon situation. For instance, "As a convert to Islam with a suburban upbringing and a Judeo-Christian background, Mr. Casey is in "a rare position" to do so".

What are some alternatives to "a rare position"?

Some alternatives to "a rare position" include "an uncommon situation", "an exceptional circumstance", or "a unique advantage". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "a rare position"?

While grammatically correct, "a rare position" should be used when the situation is truly unique or uncommon. Overusing it can diminish its impact. Consider whether alternatives like "unusual situation" or "unique opportunity" might be more fitting.

What makes "a rare position" different from "a unique position"?

While similar, "a rare position" emphasizes the infrequency or scarcity of the situation, whereas "a unique position" highlights its distinctiveness or one-of-a-kind nature. The choice depends on whether you want to stress the uncommonness or the singularity of the situation.