former position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "former position" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a previous job or role that someone held before their current one. Example: "After leaving her former position at the company, she decided to pursue a new career path."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

For students who held the former position, a positive attitude to Christianity revealed a negative attitude to science.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

*An earlier version misstated Rehnquist's former position.

The New Yorker

The rebels' loss enabled Erik to gain his former position.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(Tim Cook, acting C.O.O., will take over Jobs's former position).

The New Yorker

"I remained in the former position -- without the security aspect.

The New York Times

The ex-chief, Teresa Chambers, will return to her former position on Jan.

The New York Times

Upon his release, Sharett took up diplomatic duties, and she officially took over his former position.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His former position has now changed hands five times in nine years.

The New York Times

He realizes he will never again play safety, his former position.

The New York Times - Sports

In 1980, Miss Anscombe even inherited Wittgenstein's former position, the chair of philosophy at Cambridge University.

The New York Times

But this year, the plastic surgery society reversed its former position.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, consider adding details about the "former position", such as the company, department, or a brief description of the responsibilities.

Common error

Don't assume your audience knows which "former position" you're referencing. Always provide enough context to avoid confusion, especially if multiple people or entities are involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "former position" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It identifies a role, job, or status that someone previously held but no longer occupies. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "former position" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes a role or job someone previously held. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, especially in news, science, and encyclopedia entries. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by providing sufficient context about whose previous role you're referencing. Alternatives like "previous role" or "past post" can offer subtle variations in meaning. Avoiding vagueness and providing specific details will enhance understanding and prevent confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

previous role

Focuses on the function or capacity someone held.

past post

Emphasizes the office or assignment held.

earlier job

Highlights the employment aspect of the position.

prior office

Stresses the official nature of the role.

original post

Indicates the first or initial role someone had.

historical position

Suggests a role that existed in the past.

preceding appointment

Highlights the act of being assigned to a role before the current one.

bygone station

Emphasizes that the role is a thing of the past.

old job

A more informal way to refer to a previous employment.

ex position

Uses 'ex' to directly indicate a prior role or stance.

FAQs

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

You can use "former position" to refer to a job or role that someone held previously. For example: "She returned to her "former position" after a leave of absence."

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

Alternatives include "previous role", "past post", or "earlier job", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "former position" or "previous position"?

"Former position" and "previous position" are largely interchangeable. The choice often depends on personal preference and the specific tone you're aiming for.

What's the difference between "former position" and "incumbent position"?

"Former position" refers to a role someone held in the past, while "incumbent position" refers to the role currently held by someone.