a standing post

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a standing post" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a designated position or location where someone is assigned to remain, often in a military or security context. Example: "The soldier was assigned to a standing post at the entrance of the base, ensuring that no unauthorized personnel could enter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A standing post or a few patrols each day to the shops, a checkpoint or two at the town's edge with fighters checking identification, instructing their colleagues not to steal and stopping cars departing the town with stolen goods — these might have been enough.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In six colic horses and in seven healthy horses a sample was obtained 1 hour after recovery to standing (POST 1).

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

Others were standing post at the wall, including Roni Aborn, left, of Huber Heights, Ohio, a member of Vietnam Veterans of America.

The New York Times

Here they stand before us on a tall, vertically oriented video screen and talk, and have a terrific aura of alert self-containment and presence, like well-disciplined cops or marines standing post.

The Guardian - Arts

"Theresa could be thinking this does not really matter – that this prime minister won't be there, I won't be standing against him, I'll be standing post him one day.

The Guardian

This is just a tiny sense of what I felt when I read these words from Lindsey Henke in her Still Standing post.

Huffington Post

PRE = before anaesthesia; AN 1 = after one hour of anaesthesia; AN END = end of anaesthesia; REC 15' = 15 minutes after discontinuation of inhalation anaesthesia, still recumbent; POST 15' = 15 minutes after recovery to standing; POST 1, 2, 4, 12 = hours after standing; DAY 1, 3, 7 = days after anaesthesia.

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

Now reports suggest that Spring Airlines, a Chinese budget carrier, is trying to get approval for standing posts, to which passengers could be strapped, presumably in a similar fashion to a Wall of Death fairground ride, although the airline might want to think of a better name than that.It is doubtful that standing seats would get approval from regulators.

The Economist

In their monasteries Syrian monks tied ropes around their abdomens and were then hung in an awkward position, and some were tied to standing posts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nests of rods wrapped in colourful yarn and embellished with hacky sacks, bells and pompoms are tangled together in an amorphous mass, which drips from the bannisters and wraps around the standing posts as you walk down the stairs.

The Guardian

A Secret Service official said Thursday that the agency could compensate at other times by stationing more agents at standing posts in various locations throughout the building.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a standing post", ensure the context clearly indicates a designated location or position, often for security or observation purposes. For example: 'The guard was assigned to a standing post near the entrance'.

Common error

Avoid using "a standing post" when you mean simply 'standing near a post'. The phrase implies a formal assignment or duty, not just physical proximity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a standing post" functions primarily as a noun phrase, designating a specific location or position, usually for guard duty or observation. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through various examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a standing post" is a noun phrase referring to a designated location, often for guard duty or observation. While Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of the phrase, its occurrence is relatively rare. Usage is generally neutral, leaning towards formal in certain contexts such as news reports or historical accounts. Alternatives include "a fixed position" or "a designated station". When using "a standing post", clarity and context are key to avoid confusion with merely 'standing near a post'.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fixed position

This alternative focuses on the immobility of the post, rather than the act of standing at it.

a designated station

This emphasizes the official assignment to a specific location.

a guard position

Highlights the security aspect often associated with a standing post.

an observation point

Emphasizes the act of watching or monitoring from a specific location.

a sentry duty

This option focuses on the act of guarding from a specific location.

a checkpoint location

Highlights the controlling aspect, where people or goods are inspected.

a watch post

Emphasizes the act of keeping watch or being vigilant.

a surveillance point

This term highlights monitoring activity that takes place on the standing post.

a lookout position

Emphasizes the act of looking out for danger or something of interest.

a security station

Highlights the security aspects of a designated location.

FAQs

How to use "a standing post" in a sentence?

Use "a standing post" to describe a designated location where someone is stationed, often for security or observation. Example: "The soldier was assigned to "a standing post" at the gate."

What can I say instead of "a standing post"?

Alternatives include "a fixed position", "a designated station", or "a guard position" depending on the specific context.

Is "a standing post" the same as "standing near a post"?

No, "a standing post" implies a designated location or duty, while "standing near a post" simply describes someone's physical location.

What's the difference between "a standing post" and "an observation point"?

"A standing post" refers to the location itself, while "an observation point" emphasizes the act of observing from that location. The terms are related, but not interchangeable.