gain position

USAGE SUMMARY

Sentence Gain position is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an increase in someone's social or political standing or a gain in a place or rank. For example, "He gained a position of power in his new job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

"We are always trying to gain position while staying safe.

The Guardian - Sport

Hill later claimed that Toomer pushed to gain position in the end zone.

The New York Times - Sports

Blair does not leap high, but he uses his width and strength to gain position.

The New York Times - Sports

Is racing not all about trying to pass and gain position?

The New York Times

He was able to use his size to gain position for scoring and rebounding.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Johnson said that he had hoped to gain position during caution laps, but that the timing did not work.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

As women begin to gain positions of influence, some people detect a nasty backlash.

The New York Times

The Home Office defines entryism as extremist individuals, groups and organisations consciously seeking to gain positions of influence to better enable them to promote their own extremist agendas.

The Guardian

The Home Office defines entryism as extremist individuals, groups and organisations consciously seeking to gain positions of influence to better enable them to promote their extremist agenda.

The Guardian

As men gain positions of job authority, conventional expectations, the acceptance and support of their co-workers, and the sense of fulfilling work often buoy them.

The New York Times

Meanwhile the LA Times reported that the Kurds were refusing to accept the authority of the region's new Arab governor, Atheel Najafi, unless they gain positions in Mosul's city council, which is currently controlled by Najafi's Hadba coalition.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gain position" in sports contexts, ensure it's clear whether you're referring to physical placement or strategic advantage. For example, clarify if a driver "gained position" due to skill or another driver's error.

Common error

Avoid using "gain position" when you mean to describe holding a current advantage. "Gain position" implies an improvement or advancement, while "maintain position" suggests preserving the current state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gain position" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating an action aimed at improving one's rank, status, or advantage. It combines the verb "gain", signifying acquisition, with the noun "position", referring to a specific placement or status. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gain position" is a versatile phrase used to describe the act of improving one's rank, status, or advantage in various contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and commonly found in news, science, and business writing. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by distinguishing it from "maintain position" and adapting the phrasing to the specific context, as well as considering synonyms like "advance in rank" or "improve standing" for nuanced communication. Understanding its function and purpose will help you to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advance in rank

Focuses on hierarchical advancement, implying a formal structure.

rise in status

Focuses specifically on an increase in social or professional standing.

climb the ranks

Similar to "advance in rank" but with a stronger emphasis on effort.

improve standing

Emphasizes enhancing one's reputation or status.

secure a higher spot

Highlights the act of obtaining a better placement.

move up the ladder

Suggests climbing a career hierarchy.

get ahead

Implies a general sense of progress and success.

better one's situation

A broader phrase indicating overall improvement.

gain an advantage

Highlights gaining a beneficial edge.

outmaneuver the competition

Implies strategic action to surpass rivals.

FAQs

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

You can use "gain position" to describe improving one's standing in a competition, career, or other hierarchical system. For instance, "The company aimed to "gain market share"" or "The athlete worked hard to "gain a competitive advantage"".

What is a synonym for "gain position"?

Alternatives to "gain position" include "advance in rank", "improve standing", or "move up the ladder", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "gain position" or "gaining position"?

"Gain position" is the base form, often used in general statements or infinitives. "Gaining position" is the present participle, used in continuous tenses or as a gerund. For example, "He wants to "gain position"" versus "He is "gaining position" in the race".

What's the difference between "gain position" and "maintain position"?

"Gain position" means to improve or advance to a higher rank or status. "Maintain position" means to hold onto or preserve the current rank or status. They have opposite meanings; one describes advancement, and the other describes preservation.