a useful position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a useful position" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a role, job, or stance that provides value or benefit in a particular context. Example: "After careful consideration, I believe that taking a useful position in the project will help us achieve our goals more effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"It's a useful position for the candidate who is in power," Mr. Dzaganiya said.

The New York Times

Binny removed openers Graeme Fowler and Chris Tavare, but at 141/3 England were in a useful position, until a fine run out by Yashpal Sharma precipitated an England collapse 1980s style.

The Guardian - Sport

The special wheelchair Mr. Langevin pilots, which was designed by the same inventor who created the Segway, allows him to raise himself up to about 5 feet tall so he can meet people at closer to eye level, a useful position when your business is politics.

The New York Times

Michael Carberry's unbeaten 73 put Hampshire in a useful position at the Rose Bowl after off-spinner Liam Dawson had taken 5-29 against Leicestershire.

BBC

Assistant coach Paul Farbrace, asked to take charge for the two Tests against New Zealand, finds himself in a useful position.

BBC

Mr Tomlinson says that he is in a useful position in that, although he is a trained engineer, he is also a businessman, which helps when new Ginetta cars are being developed.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The local superintendent in charge of the district — a person holding a potentially useful position that is required by state law but that in New York City has become as vestigial as a tailbone — had virtually no authority to control, supervise or remove the principal.

The New York Times

The shrine is much visited by birds, for at nearly two metres tall, it is higher than almost everything else in the vicinity and provides a useful lookout position.

The Guardian

This is not considered a useful political position... Writer interviews Mario Cuomo who says that he never discussed ideology with Andrew... Whether the statement is true or false, it is incredible... Watching Andrew, I sensed much the same drive, the same asceticism, and the same focussed intelligence that I remembered from covering his father.

The New Yorker

They have also argued that participants in such collaboration experience "disciplinary double consciousness" and may need to experience this as "a useful collaborative position and tool" (Littlefield et al, 2014, p. 2).

BioSocieties

Substantial deviation from zero signifies useful positions were the fetus is heterozygous rather than homozygous and carries a paternal-derived allele that is different than the mother.

Genetics in Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a useful position", ensure the context clearly indicates what makes the position useful. Be specific about the benefits or advantages it provides.

Common error

Avoid using "a useful position" when the benefits are minimal or unclear. Ensure the position genuinely offers a significant advantage or contributes positively to the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a useful position" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective 'useful' modifies the noun 'position'. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts, indicating its role in describing beneficial or advantageous states.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

38%

Wiki

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a useful position" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes a role, situation, or viewpoint providing advantages or benefits. Ludwig AI's analysis of various sources indicates its common use in News & Media and Science contexts. While not extremely frequent, it's versatile enough for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines what makes the position 'useful' to avoid vagueness. Alternative phrases such as "a beneficial role" or "an advantageous situation" can also be considered for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a beneficial role

Emphasizes the positive benefits derived from the position.

an advantageous situation

Highlights the favorable circumstances associated with the position.

a helpful standpoint

Focuses on the supportive and assisting nature of the position.

a valuable place

Stresses the worth and importance of the position.

a strategic location

Highlights the tactical advantages of the position.

a favorable circumstance

Focuses on the positive conditions associated with the position.

a rewarding opportunity

Emphasizes the gratifying aspects of the position.

a productive setting

Highlights the capacity of the position to foster productivity.

a constructive role

Stresses the position's contribution to building or improving something.

a strategic advantage

Highlights the competitive edge offered by the position.

FAQs

What does "a useful position" mean?

The phrase "a useful position" refers to a situation, role, or viewpoint that provides some advantage, benefit, or positive contribution.

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

You can use "a useful position" to describe someone's job, a location, or even a strategy, such as "Being fluent in multiple languages is "a useful position" in international relations".

What are some alternatives to "a useful position"?

Some alternatives include "a beneficial role", "an advantageous situation", or "a valuable place".

Is "a useful position" formal or informal?

The phrase "a useful position" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it's more commonly seen in neutral to slightly formal writing.