be in position to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be in position to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to say that someone is in a position that gives them the opportunity to do or achieve something. For example: "Having spent several years in the business, Alex was in position to capitalize on the growing demand for his product."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Serena may be in position to do it.

The New York Times - Sports

Yet Willett had to be in position to pounce.

The Guardian - Sport

"You work so hard to be in position to win.

The New York Times

Germany may be in position to continue gaining market share.

The New York Times

"You have to be in position to make plays," Ingram said.

The New York Times - Sports

"But will I be in position to leap up and grab it?

The New York Times - Sports

Other loyalists could be in position to take top cabinet posts.

The Guardian

"I kind of knew I'd be in position to have a promotion.

The New York Times - Sports

The Chiefs could be in position to grab Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry.

The New York Times

In many ways, the Texans were lucky to be in position to win.

The New York Times

Only they will know that and they will never be in position to tell.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be in position to" when you want to emphasize that someone or something is well-placed or prepared to take advantage of an opportunity or handle a situation effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "in position to" in passive constructions where the actor is unclear. Instead of "Changes are expected to be in position to be implemented soon", clarify with "The team will be in position to implement changes soon".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be in position to" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating the potential or readiness to perform an action. It often introduces an infinitive verb, showing capability, opportunity, or preparedness, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be in position to" is a versatile and common expression used to indicate that someone or something is ready, capable, or has the opportunity to do something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its frequent use in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, you can also use alternatives like "be able to" or "be poised to" to fine-tune the nuance. Remember to avoid passive constructions to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be able to

Expresses a general ability or capacity.

be poised to

Implies readiness and anticipation for a specific action or event.

be ready to

Indicates preparedness for an action or situation.

be prepared to

Suggests having made arrangements or taken steps in advance.

be set to

Implies a planned or scheduled readiness.

have the opportunity to

Focuses on the availability of a chance or occasion.

be in a situation to

Emphasizes the circumstances that enable an action.

be in a state to

Highlights the condition or status that permits an action.

be equipped to

Stresses having the necessary tools or resources.

be apt to

Suggests a natural tendency or likelihood.

FAQs

How can I use "be in position to" in a sentence?

Use "be in position to" to indicate readiness or capability. For example, "If we invest now, we'll "be in position to" capitalize on future market growth".

What are some alternatives to "be in position to"?

Alternatives include "be able to", "be poised to", or "be ready to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "being in position to"?

Yes, "being in position to" is grammatically correct, often used as a gerund phrase. Example: "Being in position to influence policy requires networking".

How formal is the phrase "be in position to"?

"Be in position to" is suitable for neutral to professional contexts. In very informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "be able to" or "be ready to".