assume the position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "assume the position" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, often implying that someone should take a specific stance or posture, typically in a formal or instructional setting. Example: "During the drill, the instructor instructed the participants to assume the position for the safety demonstration."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

It also said consumers considering solar should assume the 21p figure is what they will get if they install after 12 December, 11 days before the consultation closes.

The Guardian

In 2013 the UK will assume the G8 presidency, and we can use our global leadership to dramatically reduce the numbers dying from malnutrition.

The Guardian - Opinion

I smiled and I assume the i8 did as well.

TechCrunch

We assume the 3D coordinates of the Sun, s.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

We assume the 5-star ratings are unordered bins instead of ordinal relative preferences.

Artificial Intelligence

I assume the #TrueDetectiveSeason3 prognosticating will be meek, if existent at all.

Huffington Post

To be fair, let's assume the 3 per cent who voted for the UK Independence Party also broadly prefer it, and call it 39percentnt.

Huffington Post

If Mr. Elba were to assume the 007 role, he would instantly crush his predecessors to the point their performances are washed from all memory.

Vice

We assume the 125,000 people who signed a petition urging Fox to bring back Brian are pretty stoked at this revelation.

Huffington Post

We assume the 2 h 75 g OGTT has a sensitivity and specificity of 95%.

BMJ Open

The Bunnies have been near-unstoppable since Luke Keary assumed the No6 jersey.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific context to ensure "assume the position" is the most appropriate phrase. In some situations, a more descriptive or less direct instruction might be preferable.

Common error

Avoid using "assume the position" in casual conversations where a simpler instruction like "get ready" or "prepare yourself" would suffice. The phrase can sound overly formal or even aggressive if not used carefully.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "assume the position" functions primarily as an imperative, directly instructing someone to adopt a particular stance. Although Ludwig AI has limited specific examples, this directive usage aligns with standard grammatical function for imperative phrases.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "assume the position" is a grammatically correct imperative used to instruct someone to adopt a specific stance or posture. However, Ludwig AI indicates that it has limited usage examples. While grammatically sound, the phrase's formality suggests careful consideration of context and audience. Related phrases, such as "get ready" or "take your places", may be more suitable in informal settings. Overusing this phrase in casual conversations can make the user sound too aggressive. Overall, while syntactically valid, this phrase necessitates careful awareness of audience and scenario for optimal effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take the stand

Implies a formal setting, often in a courtroom, for providing testimony.

get ready

Refers to preparing oneself, often physically, for an upcoming task.

prepare yourself

Directly instructs someone to mentally or emotionally brace for something.

brace yourself

Similar to "prepare yourself" but often used for something unpleasant or shocking.

adopt the posture

Focuses on the physical act of assuming a specific body alignment.

take your places

Indicates moving to a designated location, often in a performance or formal event.

get in position

Similar to "take your places" but can be less formal and more action-oriented.

stand at attention

Implies a formal, often military, posture of alertness and readiness.

lie down

Suggests reclining, which can be relevant in specific medical or exercise contexts.

assume control

Relates to taking charge or responsibility, a metaphorical shift from the physical meaning.

FAQs

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

While specific examples are limited, "assume the position" typically instructs someone to take a specific physical stance or posture. For example, in a medical context, a doctor might say, "Please "assume the position" for the examination."

What can I say instead of "assume the position"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "get ready", "prepare yourself", "take your places", or "get in position".

When is it appropriate to use "assume the position"?

The phrase is most appropriate in formal settings, such as medical examinations, military drills, or instructional demonstrations, where a specific posture is required. It may be less suitable for casual conversation.

What is the connotation of the phrase "assume the position"?

The phrase can carry a connotation of authority or instruction, and in some contexts, it can even sound demanding. Therefore, it's important to consider your audience and the specific context before using it.