acquire a position

USAGE SUMMARY

"acquire a position" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to mean obtaining or securing a position or job, typically in a professional or organizational setting. Example: After months of searching, she was able to acquire a position as a marketing executive at a prestigious company.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

If the acquisition has already been announced, but an arbitrageur can acquire a position and influence the bidder to abandon it, then the bidder's equity will rise.

Columbia University

It is also possible that the holder of a large, speculative swap position could acquire a position in a distressed firm's traded debt to block a potential workout.

The New York Times

If it is possible to acquire a position in the bidding firm's equity at this price and then influence the bidding company to abandon the acquisition, the value of the bidding firm's equity will rise.

Columbia University

Gheit says he expects Apache to acquire a position in the major unconventional natural gas shale plays in the U.S. "This is a golden opportunity for them to take advantage of the situation and establish a fairly large presence … the time could not be better".

Forbes

A more interesting hypothesis is that the lysine, upon detachment of the glutamate, would acquire a position that allows it to stabilize the hydroperoxide ligand, either directly or through water molecules, and would also facilitate the protonation of the hydroperoxo (by acidifying the water molecule).

Chemical Reviews

You can also view the longitude and latitude on windows operating systems in right click properties then details, it will be under GPS Allow the geotagger to acquire a position before taking the picture.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The prime mover, say researchers, is acquiring a position of power.

Stanford University

Freeman has since acquired a position of much greater significance under Theresa May, as chair of her policy board.

The Guardian

"The difficulty with activists is not when Barry sends a letter or announces he's acquired a position," said Mr. Lipton, who spoke in a gravely voice.

The New York Times

He then became the inspector general of the first three army corps and minister of war, acquiring a position of great strength.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The grandson of a German groom who served Duke Jacob III of Courland (1642 82), Biron attended the academy of Königsberg (modern Kaliningrad), and, after being expelled for riotous conduct and unsuccessfully seeking his fortune in Russia (1714), he went to Mitau, in Courland, where he acquired a position in the court of Anna Ivanovna, Duchess of Courland.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "acquire a position", specify the type of position being acquired for clarity. For example, "acquire a leadership position" or "acquire a financial position".

Common error

Avoid using "acquire a position" repeatedly in formal writing. Opt for synonyms like "obtain", "secure", or "attain" to maintain variety and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acquire a position" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, indicating the act of gaining or obtaining a role, status, or job. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English. Several examples demonstrate its use in describing professional advancements and strategic acquisitions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Academia

25%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

13%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "acquire a position" is grammatically sound and functions to describe obtaining a role, status, or job. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English, supported by examples across various domains. While commonly used, it's advisable to specify the type of position and vary usage with synonyms like "obtain" or "secure" in formal contexts. Its register ranges from neutral to formal, making it suitable for professional and academic discussions. The phrase appears frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts, indicating its relevance across different fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obtain a post

Replaces "acquire" with "obtain" and "position" with "post", focusing on a formal job or role.

secure a placement

Emphasizes the act of making a position certain or safe, especially in a temporary or training context.

gain a foothold

Suggests initially obtaining a small or tentative position, often as a starting point for further advancement. This alternative focuses on early steps.

attain a rank

Implies achieving a specific level or grade, often within a hierarchical structure.

land a job

An informal way of saying getting employed, often after some effort.

assume a role

Focuses on taking on the responsibilities and duties associated with a particular position.

procure a status

Emphasizes gaining a certain level of recognition or standing, potentially through effort or influence.

achieve a standing

Focuses on reaching a certain level of respect or reputation within a community or field.

garner a spot

Suggests collecting or gathering a place in a group or team, often through competition.

capture a seat

Focuses on gaining a position of authority or representation, often through election or appointment.

FAQs

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

You can use "acquire a position" to describe the act of obtaining a job, status, or role. For example, "She worked hard to "obtain a post" in the company".

What are some alternatives to "acquire a position"?

Alternatives include "secure a placement", "gain a foothold", or "attain a rank", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "acquire a position" or "get a position"?

"Acquire a position" is more formal than "get a position". Use "acquire" in professional or academic contexts, while "get" is suitable for informal settings.

What's the difference between "acquire a position" and "assume a role"?

"Acquire a position" emphasizes the act of obtaining something, while "assume a role" focuses on taking on responsibilities. You "acquire a position", then you "assume a role" within it.