find a position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "find a position" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of searching for a job or role within an organization or field. Example: "After months of searching, I finally managed to find a position that aligns with my career goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Anybody that really wants to work could find a position.

The New York Times

Payne was able to find a position at Harvard for him.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I could just lie on the floor, find a position that gave me relief".

The New York Times - Sports

Given his friendship with Dolan, Houston could eventually find a position in the front office.

The New York Times - Sports

I don't think you'll find a position like it in any other democracy".

The New York Times

Go to icigraduates.com, its online database of graduate opportunities, to find a position to suit you.

The Guardian - Money

He hopes to find a position as a photocopy machine technician.

The New York Times

Mr. Trump praised Mr. Bolton on Monday and said he would find a position for him.

The New York Times

Now, she is hoping to find a position that pays at least $10 an hour.

The Washington Post

"My tutor said I would have to find a position in life where the only way out was to succeed.

Independent

When using dead reckoning, the navigator can sometimes find a position that can be checked by a landmark.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical contexts, use "find a position" when describing algorithms or methods for locating specific data points or elements within a dataset.

Common error

Avoid using "find a position" when the intended meaning is purely about physical placement. Instead, use more specific terms like "locate", "place", or "set" to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "find a position" primarily functions as a verbal phrase. It typically describes the act of locating or securing something, whether it's a job, a physical location, or a stance. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, reinforcing its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academic

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "find a position" is a grammatically sound and very common expression with diverse applications. It is used to describe the action of locating or securing a job, a physical location, or a viewpoint. As confirmed by Ludwig, its versatility allows for use in both formal and informal contexts, although the level of formality can vary. While its adaptable nature makes it quite handy, be mindful of potential ambiguity and select a more descriptive alternative when referring to physical placement. The phrase appears most frequently in news media, science, and Wiki sources. Considering its wide applicability, "find a position" remains a valuable phrase in both spoken and written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

secure a job

Focuses on the successful outcome of obtaining employment, emphasizing achievement.

obtain employment

Formal alternative, highlighting the act of gaining work.

locate a role

Emphasizes the act of finding a specific function or part within a larger context.

discover an opening

Highlights the finding of an available job opportunity.

identify a vacancy

Focuses on recognizing a position that needs to be filled.

detect a post

Similar to identifying a vacancy, but can refer to a specific online publication.

pinpoint a spot

More informal, implying a precise location or opportunity.

determine a location

Focuses on identifying a place or physical position.

establish a foothold

Implies gaining initial stability or advantage in a competitive situation.

carve out a niche

Suggests creating a unique and specialized position for oneself.

FAQs

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

You can use "find a position" to describe the act of looking for a job, a physical location, or even a stance on an issue. For example: "She is actively trying to "find a position" in the marketing department", or "The soldiers needed to "find a position" to defend the city".

What are some alternatives to "find a position" when referring to job seeking?

When referring to job seeking, you can use alternatives such as "secure a job", "obtain employment", or "locate a role".

Is it appropriate to use "find a position" in formal writing?

Yes, "find a position" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing employment opportunities. However, in more technical or scientific contexts, consider using more precise language, such as "determine a location".

What's the difference between "find a position" and "find a stance"?

"Find a position" can refer to a job, a physical location, or a place, whereas "find a stance" refers specifically to forming or discovering an opinion or viewpoint on a particular matter.