a thin position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a thin position" is not commonly used in written English and may be unclear without context.
It could be used in discussions about having a weak or vulnerable stance in an argument or situation. Example: "In negotiations, he found himself in a thin position, lacking strong evidence to support his claims."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But at a thin position, he batted over.300 in a full season for the first time since 2007, and is by far the best third-base option.

The New York Times

In 2011, while playing for Class AA New Hampshire, d'Arnaud hit 21 home runs with a.311 batting average and a.914 O.P.S. D'Arnaud, whose brother Chase is an infielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates, is still considered a work in progress on defense, but many scouts say they think he is athletic enough to become above average as a catcher, a thin position in the Mets' development chain.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Assuming he is eligible for second base in your league (he holds 1B, 2B and 3B eligibility in most leagues), Young could turn into a steal at this very thin position, considering that he's currently the 19th second basemen going off the board in drafts.

The New York Times

The underside of a thin board positioned like a ramp atop the stacked boxes and boards of "Anadyomene" is tinted aqua, in keeping with the title, a name for Aphrodite, also known as Venus, as she rises from the sea.

The New York Times - Arts

The detector system modeled comprises extremely thin position-sensitive avalanche photodiodes coupled to lutetium oxy-orthosilicate scintillation crystals.

Physica Medica

The Eurasian eagle-owl rarely assumes the so-called "tall-thin position", which is when an owl adopts an upright stance with plumage closely compressed and may stand tightly beside a tree trunk.

Wikipedia

Therefore, better conditions of natural ventilation were obtained with a thin and horizontal positioning of the elements.

Energy Procedia

This study combined theoretical, experimental, and numerical analysis to investigate the vibration characteristics of a thin rectangular plate positioned horizontally at the bottom of a rectangular container filled with liquid.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Waist circumferences (WC) were assessed at the thinnest position between the lowest rib and iliac crest [ 13].

BMC Women's Health

Once he gets her in the correct position, a thin yellow mist will spray from his right armpit and once this mist hits her skin, it means it's marked territory".

The New York Times

In order to mark the sample position, a thin film of Au metal was deposited on the sample surface followed by an opening of hole arrays using standard photolithography and liftoff processes [13].

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a thin position" in writing, ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to a literal physical attribute, a metaphorical weakness in an argument, or a scarcity of resources.

Common error

Don't assume readers will automatically understand the intended meaning of "a thin position". Provide sufficient context to clarify whether you mean a physical location, a weak argument, or a limited supply. Consider using stronger, clearer synonyms like "a vulnerable spot" or "a precarious situation" if appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a thin position" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, typically referring to something lacking substance, depth, or support. This is supported by Ludwig, which suggests that the phrase is not commonly used and may require context for clarity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

48%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a thin position" is used to describe a lack of substance or support, but its meaning is not always immediately clear. As Ludwig AI points out, it is not a commonly used phrase. While grammatically acceptable, it often requires additional context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "a weak stance" or "a vulnerable spot" might provide better clarity. Its presence in news and scientific articles suggests a neutral register. Therefore, exercise caution and ensure sufficient context when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a weak stance

Emphasizes the lack of strength or support in an argument or situation.

a vulnerable spot

Highlights susceptibility to attack or harm.

a precarious situation

Focuses on the instability and risk associated with a scenario.

a delicate state

Indicates fragility and the need for careful handling.

a sparsely populated area

Refers to a location with few resources or personnel.

an inadequately defended point

Highlights the lack of sufficient protection or resources.

a thinly veiled attempt

Focuses on the transparency and lack of subtlety in an action.

a narrow margin

Emphasizes the small difference or limited space available.

a stretched resource

Highlights the overuse and potential depletion of available resources.

an untenable argument

Focuses on the indefensibility and lack of logical support.

FAQs

How can "a thin position" be interpreted differently?

The phrase "a thin position" can refer to a literal physical space, a lack of resources or support, or a vulnerable argument. Context is crucial to understanding the intended meaning.

What are some alternatives to using "a thin position"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a weak stance", "a vulnerable spot", or "a precarious situation".

Is "a thin position" grammatically correct?

The phrase "a thin position" is grammatically acceptable but may lack clarity without sufficient context. Consider rephrasing for improved understanding.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "a thin position"?

It's best to use "a thin position" when describing scenarios where something lacks depth, strength, or sufficient support, and the context is clearly understood by the audience. Otherwise, opt for more descriptive phrasing.