commanding position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "commanding position" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong or authoritative stance in a particular context, such as in business, military, or competitive situations. Example: "The company has established a commanding position in the market, outpacing its competitors in sales and innovation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The telcos have frittered away a commanding position they enjoyed post-September 11th," Probe said.

The New York Times

Until, that is, you walk a little further and the trenches' commanding position over a heart-stopping descent into a valley below suddenly explains things.

Independent

On the Democratic side, the election outcome probably strengthens Hillary Clinton's already commanding position.

Forbes

BBC WM's Mike Taylor: "Warwickshire achieved the commanding position they would have expected after taking eight morning wickets on Sunday, but not by the expected route.

BBC

At the 29 August Arab League summit in Khartoum, Nasser's usual commanding position had receded as the attending heads of state expected Saudi King Faisal to lead.

Wikipedia

Then we scored to put ourselves in a commanding position and were in control.

The Guardian - Sport

Countries in control of such resources can take a commanding position in the world economy.

The Guardian

I was in a commanding position.

The Guardian

It is true that Trump is in a commanding position.

The New Yorker

"Hillary Clinton is beginning to assume a commanding position.

The New York Times

But 10 years on, Kelly is in a commanding position.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "commanding position" to convey a sense of authority or dominance in various contexts, such as business, sports, or military strategy. Be sure the context supports the implication of control or advantage.

Common error

Avoid using "commanding position" when the situation merely implies a slight advantage or influence. Ensure the context genuinely reflects a position of significant control or dominance to maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "commanding position" functions as a noun phrase that describes a state or situation. It typically acts as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition, indicating a position of authority, control, or advantage. Ludwig confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

11%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "commanding position" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a state of authority, control, or strategic advantage. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, from news reporting to encyclopedic entries. While versatile, the phrase best fits situations where actual dominance or significant influence is present. Alternatives such as "dominant position" and "leading position" can be used depending on the nuance desired. Its frequent presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian further solidifies its reliability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dominant position

Replaces "commanding" with a more direct term for dominance, focusing on superiority in a given field.

position of control

Directly states the capacity to manage or direct, suitable for contexts involving governance or supervision.

leading position

Emphasizes being ahead or in charge, suitable for contexts where influence or guidance is key.

superior position

Implies a higher level or rank, fitting when describing hierarchical structures or competitive scenarios.

strategic advantage

Highlights the tactical benefit of a particular placement or situation, shifting focus from authority to planning.

position of strength

Highlights the inherent power associated with a particular role or location, useful in conflict or negotiation contexts.

vantage point

Focuses on the visual or observational superiority from a location, useful when describing a physical setting.

seat of power

Emphasizes the authority and influence stemming from a location or role, often used in political or organizational contexts.

influential role

Focuses on the ability to affect outcomes or decisions, fitting when describing someone's impact.

advantageous situation

Highlights the beneficial aspects of a set of circumstances, moving away from direct authority to opportunity.

FAQs

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

You can use "commanding position" to describe a state of authority or control. For example, "The company has established a "commanding position" in the market" or "The general secured a "commanding position" on the battlefield".

What phrases are similar to "commanding position"?

Similar phrases include "dominant position", "leading position", and "strategic advantage". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "commanding position" in formal writing?

Yes, "commanding position" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to describe a state of control or advantage. However, ensure the tone and context align with the level of formality.

What is the difference between "commanding position" and "influential role"?

"Commanding position" typically implies a higher degree of authority and control, while "influential role" suggests the ability to affect decisions or outcomes without necessarily holding direct authority. A "commanding position" often inherently includes influence, but the reverse isn't always true.