be positioned on a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'be positioned on a' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe the location of something or someone. For example, "The mug must be positioned on a coaster to prevent scratches on the table."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

At the BAM performances, Mr. Rowe will be positioned on a platform high above the stage where he will be playing his electric violin and mixing the score.

The New York Times - Arts

Every statement and every question can be positioned on a gray scale of understatement or overstatement, stupidity or insightfulness, information saturation or yawning emptiness.

The New York Times

The Veo camera mount consists of two 4K cameras encased within a 3D-printed box, designed to be positioned on a four-metre tripod just outside of the pitch's halfway line.

TechCrunch

A third myosin can be positioned on a single actin filament per 360° turn about the outside of the bundle (Fig. 4B).

Plosone

Furthermore, to reduce and discretize the conformational space of the protein, we require the C α atoms of the chain to be positioned on a 3D lattice.

Algorithms for Molecular Biology

This quantitative technique provides a single unidimensional measurement of tissue elasticity like TE, although the measurement area can be positioned on a two-dimensional B mode image.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

A third marker will be positioned on an appendicular line midway between the two previous points.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

They are positioned on a remaining porch.

The Guardian - Arts

Lyman Glidden was positioned on a table near his son.

The New York Times - Science

If a leg is paralyzed, a mirror is positioned on a bench.

University of California, Berkeley

Practitioners were positioned on a mat and alternated between prone, supine, and seated poses.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be positioned on a", ensure that the object and surface are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The statue should be positioned on a sturdy pedestal."

Common error

Avoid using "be positioned on a" when the relationship isn't strictly spatial. For example, don't say "His argument was positioned on a misunderstanding"; instead, use "based on" or "predicated on".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be positioned on a" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating the state of something being located or placed on a surface. Ludwig shows that it is often used to describe spatial relationships and arrangements.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be positioned on a" is a grammatically sound passive verb phrase used to describe the spatial relationship between an object and a surface. As Ludwig's AI confirms, the phrase is correct for use in written English. While somewhat rare in frequency, it appears across various contexts, including science, news media, and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about both the object and the surface. Common alternatives include "be situated on a" or "be located on a". Keep in mind the distinction between precise and general placement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be situated on a

Focuses on the physical location or placement of something.

be located on a

Emphasizes a specific location or site.

be placed on a

Highlights the act of putting something in a specific location.

be set on a

Implies a more deliberate or permanent placement.

be mounted on a

Specifically suggests attaching something to a surface.

be arranged on a

Focuses on the order or layout of multiple items.

rest upon a

Indicates support or dependence on something.

lie on a

Implies a horizontal or resting position.

stand on a

Suggests an upright or vertical position.

be built upon a

Implies a foundation or base for further development.

FAQs

How can I use "be positioned on a" in a sentence?

Use "be positioned on a" to describe the location or placement of an object or person relative to a surface. For example, "The telescope must be positioned on a stable platform".

What is a good alternative to "be positioned on a"?

Alternatives include "be situated on a", "be located on a", or "be placed on a", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "be located on" or "be positioned on"?

Both "be located on" and "be positioned on" are correct, but "be located on" typically refers to a general location, while "be positioned on" often implies a more deliberate or precise placement. For example: "The store is located on Main Street" vs. "The sensor is positioned on a specific point of the machine".

What does "be positioned on a" imply?

"Be positioned on a" implies that something has been intentionally placed on a surface, often for a specific purpose or with a particular orientation.