assume a position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "assume a position" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is being asked to take a specific role or stance, often in a formal or professional setting. Example: "During the meeting, the manager asked everyone to assume a position that aligns with the company's goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

"For me, it's quite clear art cannot assume a position of critical distance any more.

The Guardian

Suppose, for example, that you wanted to assume a position that's not among the Steelcase Nine.

The New York Times - Tech

Mr. Packer said he would "assume a position, and dig in".

The New York Times

He told Margot Norton of a famous one, Gvendur Dúllari, who "would assume a position and make strange sounds for a whole evening.

The New Yorker

David Axelrod is going to assume a position of senior adviser to the president, officials said, and Robert Gibbs is poised to be named White House press secretary.

The New York Times

To skeptics, those who presumed to police the erotic were merely taking up the whip themselves, and trying to assume a position of domination.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

"They said they wouldn't leave and assumed a position to shoot.

The Guardian

With one stroke, the inconspicuous outsider assumes a position of supremacy, on a battlefield of pure good against pure evil.

The New Yorker

The peanut flower is actually produced above ground but assumes a position close to the soil surface as it ages.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sondra assumed a position in Washington, DC, for what is now HUD, and she later served as an executive administrator in the formative years of the United Nations.

The New York Times

It's telling that in the wake of Brexit's victory Farage has, rather than assuming a position of leadership, found himself stoking populist flames elsewhere.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "assume a position" in formal writing, ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to a job, role, stance, or physical posture. Providing specific details enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "assume a position" without specifying the type of position. For example, instead of saying "He assumed a position", specify "He assumed a position as a senior advisor" to provide clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "assume a position" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It signifies the act of taking on or accepting a specific role, job, responsibility, or physical stance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across varied contexts, as demonstrated by the numerous examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "assume a position" is a versatile phrase frequently used to describe the act of taking on a role, responsibility, stance, or physical posture. Ludwig AI validates that it's grammatically sound and appropriate across various contexts, notably in news, encyclopedias, and scientific literature. While generally neutral, its register can become more formal in professional or academic settings. When using this phrase, be specific about the type of position to ensure clarity. Consider alternatives like "take on a role" or "adopt a stance" depending on the intended nuance. With its widespread usage and clear meaning, "assume a position" remains a reliable phrase in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get into position

Emphasizes movement to a required location or state.

take on a role

Focuses on the action of accepting and starting a role or responsibility.

adopt a stance

Emphasizes a specific opinion or viewpoint being adopted.

take up a post

Highlights the commencement of employment in a specific job or duty.

occupy a place

Indicates filling a specific physical or metaphorical location.

move into a job

Specifies progression into a particular job or profession.

begin service as

Highlights the beginning of a period of duty or employment.

enter upon duties

Focuses on the commencement of specific responsibilities.

settle into a location

Refers to comfortably occupying a specific physical space.

establish oneself in

Highlights achieving stability and recognition within a certain field or location.

FAQs

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

You can use "assume a position" to indicate someone taking on a new role or responsibility, such as "David Axelrod is going to "assume a position" of senior advisor to the president."

What is a good alternative for "assume a position" when referring to a job?

When referring to a job, consider using alternatives like "take on a role" or "accept a position" for greater clarity.

Is it better to say "assume a position" or "take a position"?

Both ""assume a position"" and "take a position" are grammatically correct. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey; "assume" suggests taking on something already existing, while "take" might imply creating a position.

Can "assume a position" refer to a physical stance, or only a role?

"Assume a position" can refer to both a physical stance and a role or responsibility. For example, "What most players did when slap shots came their way was "assume a position" called the flamingo" shows it used for a physical stance.