acquire positions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acquire positions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to obtaining jobs, roles, or specific standings within an organization or field. Example: "After months of networking and applying, she was finally able to acquire positions at two prestigious firms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Hedge funds would have to pay more to acquire positions, as the market would learn of these acquisitions sooner.

The New York Times

The law firm has asked the Securities and Exchange Commission to amend takeover rules to limit the ability of hedge funds to quickly acquire positions in companies.

The New York Times

"Stocks do not stay cheap as long as they used to, so I guess I would have a tendency to acquire positions faster than Jean-Marie would," Mr. de Vaulx said.

The New York Times

We witnessed educated, business-savvy women acquire positions of power.

Huffington Post

I know young people who acquire positions through relatives or family friends.

Huffington Post

To acquire positions relative to the body as found in postnatal life, the extremities must undergo further changes.

Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Currently, IVNS typically uses a GPS-enabled device to acquire position data to give feedback by locating the vehicle on the map displayed to the user.

European Transport Research Review

Thus, the nucleosomes on positions 13 to 15 (Table 1) in the absence of TFIIIC possibly acquire position 12 (Table 1) due to chromatin remodeling after TFIIIC binding in vivo.

Epigenetics and Chromatin

Most freshmen Representatives aren't likely to have developed particularly strong constituent services, or to have acquired positions of power within the Congress.

The New York Times

The "Wille spirit" was often publicly attacked, however, and, when a military law favoured by him failed to win popular support (1895), he resigned his recently acquired positions as head and chief instructor of the army.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The possibility of unequal economic outcomes motivates people to work harder, he argues, although at some point it can lead to the preservation of acquired positions, which causes economies to stagnate.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "acquire positions" in a business context, ensure the surrounding language reflects the strategic importance of these positions within the organization.

Common error

Avoid using "acquire positions" in overly casual conversations; it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "get jobs" or "find roles" in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acquire positions" functions as a verb phrase, where "acquire" acts as a transitive verb and "positions" is its direct object. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to describe the act of obtaining or gaining something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "acquire positions" is a grammatically correct and usable verb phrase that means to obtain or gain roles, jobs, or standing. Ludwig AI analysis highlights its common usage in both news and scientific contexts, although its register leans toward the neutral-to-professional side. While generally acceptable, it's advisable to use simpler alternatives like "get jobs" in informal settings to avoid sounding overly formal. Alternatives such as "obtain positions" and "secure positions" offer similar meanings while varying slightly in nuance. Common writing errors include overuse in casual contexts, where simpler alternatives would be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obtain positions

This alternative directly replaces "acquire" with "obtain", maintaining a similar level of formality and meaning.

secure positions

This alternative emphasizes the effort and competition involved in getting the positions.

attain positions

This alternative suggests a higher level of achievement or ambition in obtaining the positions.

gain positions

This alternative focuses on the process of gradually getting the positions.

achieve positions

This alternative highlights the accomplishment of securing the positions, emphasizing success.

procure positions

This alternative implies a more formal or official process of acquiring the positions.

land positions

This alternative is more informal and suggests a bit of luck in getting the positions.

assume roles

This alternative focuses on the responsibilities and duties associated with the positions.

take up posts

This alternative is more common in British English and refers to starting a new job or role.

fill vacancies

This alternative emphasizes the act of occupying positions that were previously empty.

FAQs

What does "acquire positions" mean?

The phrase "acquire positions" generally means to obtain or gain roles, jobs, or standing, often through effort or strategic action.

What are some alternatives to "acquire positions"?

You can use alternatives like "obtain positions", "secure positions", or "attain positions" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "acquire positions" formal or informal?

"Acquire positions" tends to be more formal. In informal settings, consider alternatives like "get jobs" or "find roles".

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

Example: "The company aims to "acquire positions" in emerging markets to expand its global presence."