establishing a position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "establishing a position" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of defining or asserting a stance or viewpoint on a particular issue or topic. Example: "In the debate, the candidate focused on establishing a position that resonated with the audience's concerns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Establishing a position is one thing; keeping it is another.

Harvard Business Review

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

The New York Times

Aquarius Platinum - which said its subsidiary in the country was in talks about establishing a position which complied with the law but was also beneficial to stakeholders - fell 25.79p to 344.3p.

The Guardian - Business

The best part is that iPhone App developers who are establishing a position now in the iTunes App store will be be able to ride this growth.

TechCrunch

Google Books may be a commercial enterprise, and it may be establishing a position where it can dictate terms to authors and publishers.

TechCrunch

The subsequent measurement of momentum, say, after establishing a position correlation, will no longer yield any correlation in the momenta of the two particles.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 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

"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

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "establishing a position" in business or strategic contexts, be specific about the type of position being established, whether it's a market position, a strategic alliance, or a thought leadership stance.

Common error

Avoid using "establishing a position" without clarifying what the position is. For example, instead of saying "The company is establishing a position", specify "The company is establishing a leading position in sustainable energy."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "establishing a position" functions as a gerund phrase acting as a noun. As shown in Ludwig, it typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the act of creating, securing, or defining a stance, role, or viewpoint.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

24%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Encyclopedias

8%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "establishing a position" is a grammatically correct and relatively common expression that refers to the act of defining or securing a specific stance, role, or advantage. As per Ludwig, this phrase finds use across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific discourse. It is crucial to define the specific position being established to avoid vagueness. While the phrase maintains a neutral to professional tone, its adaptability allows writers to convey strategic actions with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

securing a foothold

Focuses on gaining initial, often precarious, advantage.

defining a role

Emphasizes clarifying a specific function or responsibility.

gaining an advantage

Highlights the act of obtaining a beneficial position over others.

creating an opening

Suggests generating an opportunity or a favorable condition.

building a foundation

Implies constructing a stable base for future development or success.

carving out a niche

Focuses on creating a unique and specialized position in a market or field.

marking territory

Highlights establishing dominance or control over a specific area.

staking a claim

Emphasizes asserting rights or ownership over something.

achieving prominence

Focuses on attaining recognition and importance.

cementing dominance

Highlights strengthening and solidifying a position of power or control.

FAQs

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

You can use "establishing a position" when describing the act of defining or asserting a stance or viewpoint. For example: "The company is focused on "establishing a position" as a leader in renewable energy."

What are some alternatives to "establishing a position"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "establishing a position" could include "securing a foothold", "defining a role", or "gaining an advantage".

Is it better to say "establish a position" or "establishing a position"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "establish a position" is an infinitive form, often used in instructions or general statements, while "establishing a position" is a gerund phrase, often used as a noun, e.g., "Establishing a position in the market requires careful planning."

What's the difference between "establishing a position" and "asserting a position"?

"Establishing a position" refers to the process of creating or securing a specific stance or role. "Asserting a position" implies forcefully declaring or defending an already existing stance.