establish a position

USAGE SUMMARY

"establish a position" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when you want to describe a decision to hold a certain opinion or point of view. For example, "John has decided to establish a position that poverty is a result of inequality".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

It is more important to establish a position for growth".

The Guardian

But it has more to do if it is to establish a position as one of the powers of Europe.

The Economist

In some cases, it would be downright impossible for a big fund to establish a position that it would consider worthwhile.

The New York Times

And the lane was only 12 feet wide -- it is 16 feet today -- so Chamberlain could establish a position closer to the basket.

The New York Times

"The membership of AQAP remains unknown while the deaths worsen the problems for the US in the region, by supporting the political legitimacy of the jihadis as they struggle to establish a position in the contested state".

The Guardian

While not being a direct competitor with the i, this could be a move to quickly establish a position in the market with readers and advertisers ahead of new owner Johnston Press launching the cut price i into Northern Ireland.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

"We need them, and John Terry, to set a good example, to hold their hands up and accept responsibility, and re-establish a position which is credible".

The Guardian - Sport

But establishing a position has been difficult for the group, which takes a pragmatic view of policy issues.

The New York Times

But by traveling early and speaking out, General Powell established a position against just this policy, putting the State Department squarely in favor of sanctions reform, not overthrow.

The New York Times

In a series of acquisitions in the 1970s, Philips established a position in the American consumer electronics market, starting with the purchase of television maker Magnavox in 1974.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The new Opera House Deutsche Operr Berlin) was opened in West Berlin in 1961, and it quickly established a position as one of the leading opera houses of the Western world.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing strategies in business or sports, use "establish a position" to indicate creating an advantage or securing a competitive edge.

Common error

While generally correct, overuse of "establish a position" in casual conversation can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler phrases like "get settled" or "find a place" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "establish a position" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun phrase. Grammatically, it indicates the action of creating or securing a specific stance, status, or advantage. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

23%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "establish a position" is a common phrase used to describe the act of creating or securing a specific stance, status, or advantage. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and versatile. It appears frequently in news, wiki, and scientific contexts, making it suitable for formal and professional communications. While generally correct, be mindful of the context and register, avoiding overuse in casual conversations. Related phrases like "define a role" or "secure a foothold" can offer more nuanced alternatives depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

define a role

Focuses on clarifying responsibilities, slightly different from staking a claim.

secure a foothold

Emphasizes gaining initial, often precarious, stability or access.

carve out a niche

Highlights creating a unique spot, implying specialization or differentiation.

develop a presence

Focuses on making oneself known or felt in a specific area.

gain recognition

Highlights achieving acknowledgment or acceptance, shifting focus to external perception.

formulate a stance

Implies constructing an opinion/viewpoint more than a position of power or advantage.

attain a status

Centers on reaching a certain level or rank, changing the nature of the achievement.

achieve prominence

Highlights attaining a distinguished or important standing.

build a reputation

Concentrates on developing a public image over time.

create an identity

Emphasizes forming a distinctive self-concept or image.

FAQs

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

You can use "establish a position" to describe creating a stance or strategy, as in, "The company aimed to "establish a position" as a market leader".

What's a good alternative to "establish a position"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "define a role", "secure a foothold", or "develop a presence".

Is it always appropriate to use "establish a position" in everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "establish a position" might sound overly formal in casual settings. Consider using simpler alternatives for everyday conversations.

What does it mean to "establish a position" in a business context?

In business, to ""establish a position"" typically means to secure a competitive advantage, gain market share, or create a strong presence in the industry.