are not in a position to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are not in a position to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone lacks the authority, ability, or circumstances to take a certain action or make a decision. Example: "Due to the current budget constraints, we are not in a position to approve any additional funding requests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"And the banks are not in a position to resist".

The New York Times

However, we are not in a position to comment".

The New York Times

But we are not in a position to prejudge that".

The Guardian

We are not in a position to make more shoes.

The New York Times

"We are not in a position to say anything else".

The New York Times - Magazine

We are not in a position to offer guarantees.

The New York Times

We are not in a position to do that.

The Economist

We are not in a position to deal with all the ills of the society.

The New York Times

England cricketers are not in a position to be "holier than thou [or them]".

The Guardian - Sport

Journalists are not in a position to be loyal to all Bushes.

The New York Times

"We are not in a position to say more at this stage," it said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are not in a position to", clearly state the reason for the inability to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "We are not in a position to comment", specify "We are not in a position to comment due to ongoing investigations".

Common error

While acceptable, using "are not in a position to" repeatedly in formal writing can sound passive. Vary your phrasing with stronger verbs like "cannot", "unable", or more direct explanations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not in a position to" functions as a modal expression indicating a lack of ability, capacity, or authority to perform a specific action. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage in varied contexts, confirming its role in expressing limitations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

22%

Science

22%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are not in a position to" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey an inability or lack of authority to perform a specific action. As evidenced by Ludwig's extensive collection of examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, its usage spans across various contexts including news, academia, and business. While it's a versatile phrase, remember to provide context for the inability to avoid ambiguity and consider using stronger verbs in formal writing for a more assertive tone. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and provides ample examples for effective use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unable to

Indicates a general lack of capability or means.

not able to

Similar to "unable to", but perhaps slightly less formal.

cannot afford to

Focuses on the inability due to financial or resource constraints.

lack the capacity to

Stresses the absence of required resources or abilities.

incapable of

Highlights a fundamental lack of capacity or skill.

not equipped to

Emphasizes the lack of necessary tools or resources.

not authorized to

Indicates a lack of official permission or mandate.

not empowered to

Indicates a lack of delegated authority or power.

not at liberty to

Implies a restriction or constraint, often due to confidentiality.

not have the mandate to

Specifically denotes the absence of an official instruction or authorization.

FAQs

How can I use "are not in a position to" in a sentence?

Use "are not in a position to" to express a lack of ability, authority, or suitable circumstances to perform an action. For instance, "We "are not in a position to" offer a refund at this time" indicates an inability to provide a refund.

What phrases can I use instead of "are not in a position to"?

Alternatives include "unable to", "cannot afford to", or "lack the capacity to", depending on the specific context of the inability.

Is it better to say "are not in a position to" or "cannot"?

The choice depends on the context. "Cannot" is more direct and assertive. "Are not in a position to" is often used to soften the message or imply external constraints. For example: "We cannot approve this request" vs. "We "are not in a position to" approve this request due to budget limitations".

What does it mean to "be in a position to" do something?

To "be in a position to" do something means having the necessary resources, authority, or circumstances to take a particular action. Conversely, ""are not in a position to"" means lacking those prerequisites.