a serious position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a serious position" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a role or stance that carries significant importance or gravity, often in a professional or formal context. Example: "After much consideration, I have decided to accept a serious position within the organization that will require my full commitment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

But it's not a serious position.

The New York Times

"The president is not taking a serious position against the shelling by Pakistanis".

The New York Times

Greece's economy minister, George Stathakis, told a German Newspaper yesterday that although Greece was in a serious position, the country would not accept "dud" deals.

Independent

Giuliani wanted to be judged as the criminal justice mayor, and the police commissioner was in a serious position under him".

The New York Times

"The bombardment has continued, which means that the Iraqi government has not taken a serious position on this matter," said Twana Ahmad, a spokesman for Barham Salih, prime minister of the Kurdistan regional government.

The New York Times

"When these things keep being repeated, and someone who is supposed to be in a serious position says something and people start to think that person has privileged information, then it is more serious," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

For a start we would no longer be a test venue, the club would be in a very serious position".

BBC

Yet with few blue-chip stocks on their books, the middle-sized exchanges have less revenue from trading and listing to offset those costs.The reliance on only a handful of large issuers at the mid-tier exchanges "is a very serious position to be in," says Mr Steil.

The Economist

The housing market is in a very serious position and we need serious action.

The Guardian - Business

If this deadline was not met, he said, the governments would be in a "very serious position".

The Guardian

In August 1963 he signs off with the line, "…if they were to move a very serious position would accrue".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a serious position", ensure the context clearly establishes the importance or gravity of the role or stance being described. This adds weight and credibility to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a serious position" when a less formal term would be more appropriate. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound stilted or unnatural, especially in casual contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a serious position" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "serious" modifies the noun "position". Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples where it describes the importance or gravity of a role, stance, or situation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a serious position" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that signifies the importance or gravity of a role, stance, or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, making it a versatile expression across various contexts. While alternatives like ""a significant role"" or ""a critical stance"" can be used for nuanced expression, it's important to ensure the context matches the level of formality. Avoiding overuse in casual contexts and emphasizing the gravity of the subject are key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant role

Emphasizes the importance of the role.

a critical stance

Focuses on a firm opinion or viewpoint.

an important post

Highlights the prominence of the job or duty.

a weighty responsibility

Stresses the burden and significance of the obligation.

a demanding task

Focuses on the difficulty and effort involved.

a crucial appointment

Underscores the decisiveness and relevance of the assignment.

a key responsibility

Emphasizes that it is the main and defining responsibility.

a central role

Highlights the place the position has.

a vital responsibility

Points out that without this responsibility the activity will not work.

a grave situation

This stresses how bad the situation could become.

FAQs

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

You can use "a serious position" to describe someone's important role or a critical stance on an issue. For example, "She holds "a serious position" in the company" or "He takes "a serious position" on environmental issues".

What are some alternatives to "a serious position"?

Alternatives include "a significant role", "a critical stance", or "an important post", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a serious position" or "an important position"?

Both phrases are correct, but "a serious position" emphasizes the weight and responsibility associated with the role, while "an important position" simply highlights its significance. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When should I use "a serious position" versus "a very serious position"?

"A very serious position" amplifies the level of importance or gravity compared to "a serious position". Use "a very serious position" when you want to stress the extreme significance or potential consequences of the role or situation.