are positioned

USAGE SUMMARY

"are positioned" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is placed in a certain position. For example: "The books are positioned on the shelf in alphabetical order."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Capital goods businesses are positioned for growth.

The New York Times

Other cars are positioned less aggressively.

The New York Times

They are positioned on a remaining porch.

The Guardian - Arts

No leaves are positioned as sculpture.

The New York Times - Food

British tanks are positioned near the bridge.

The Guardian

The chains argue that they are positioned for survival.

The New York Times

The computers are positioned so that socializing is encouraged.

The New York Times

The Knicks are positioned eighth in the lottery order.

The New York Times - Sports

The worst guys are positioned to make the best deals.

The New Yorker

Both lads are positioned well, at -4 and -3 respectively.

The Guardian - Sport

Israeli tanks are positioned near his compound there.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing strategic advantages, use "are positioned" to emphasize readiness or suitability for a particular purpose.

Common error

Avoid overuse of the passive voice. Instead of "the company's products are positioned as luxury items", consider a more direct and active sentence: "the company positions its products as luxury items."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are positioned" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that something is being placed or located in a specific manner. It often describes the resulting state after an action has been performed, as showcased by Ludwig with its collection of examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are positioned" serves as a versatile tool for indicating placement, arrangement, or readiness. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general writing. When using the phrase, writers should be mindful of avoiding passive voice overuse and ensuring that the context aligns with the intended meaning of strategic placement. With its neutral register and broad applicability, "are positioned" remains a valuable asset in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are situated

Emphasizes location and context, similar to being placed in a specific environment.

are located

Focuses on the physical location or placement of something.

are placed

A more direct synonym, highlighting the action of putting something in a certain spot.

are arranged

Implies a deliberate order or organization in their placement.

are set

Similar to 'placed', but can also imply readiness or preparation.

are aligned

Suggests that items are in a specific orientation or direction relative to each other.

are stationed

Often used in military or security contexts, implying a strategic placement.

are predisposed

Shifts the meaning to being inclined or likely to do something, rather than physical placement.

are geared

Indicates preparation or suitability for a particular purpose or outcome.

are prepared

Highlights the readiness and set up for an event or a task.

FAQs

How can I use "are positioned" in a sentence?

You can use "are positioned" to describe the placement of objects, people, or ideas in a specific arrangement or strategic location. For example, "The chess pieces are positioned for the start of the game."

What are some alternatives to "are positioned"?

Alternatives include "are situated", "are located", or "are placed", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "are positioned" or "are placed"?

While both phrases are similar, "are positioned" often implies a strategic or intentional placement, whereas "are placed" is a more general term for putting something in a location. The choice depends on the specific context.

Can "are positioned" be used to describe abstract concepts?

Yes, "are positioned" can be used metaphorically to describe the relative standing or potential of abstract concepts. For example, "Companies that "are positioned best" now are those who currently sell Medigap to seniors."