gain positions

USAGE SUMMARY

"gain positions" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It means to obtain or achieve a higher rank or status. You can use it in situations where someone has advanced in their career, climbed the corporate ladder, or has gained more influence or authority. For example: - She worked hard and strategically to gain positions within the company, eventually becoming CEO. - Our team's impressive performance helped us gain positions in the market, surpassing our competitors. - The politician promised to create job opportunities and help citizens gain positions in society. - Through networking and building strong relationships, she was able to gain positions on various boards and committees. - The country's strong economic growth has allowed it to gain positions as a major player in the global market.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Many gain positions in government.

The Guardian

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

The New York Times

To deliver lasting change, women must be provided with the practical skills they need to gain positions of power.

The Guardian

So gossiping is efficient, and those who gossip can use this social currency to gain positions of power.

University of California, Berkeley

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In contexts where influence or authority is obtained, consider using "gain positions of power" to emphasize the increase in control or decision-making ability.

Common error

Avoid phrasing sentences in a way that suggests positions are automatically awarded. "Gain positions" implies active effort, so ensure the subject of your sentence is actively working to achieve those positions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gain positions" functions primarily as a verb phrase. Ludwig confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely used, indicating an action of acquiring or advancing into new roles or ranks. This phrase typically describes active effort in career advancement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

11%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gain positions" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe the act of achieving higher roles or ranks. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across various contexts, especially in News & Media. While suitable for general use, it is frequently found in professional settings, emphasizing active effort and strategic advancement. Related phrases include "secure a position" and "attain positions". When writing, ensure the subject actively contributes to achieving these positions. The phrase is applicable in both formal and informal contexts, maintaining a neutral to professional register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

secure a position

Emphasizes obtaining a position, focusing on the act of making it secure.

attain positions

Highlights achieving positions through effort or merit.

acquire positions

Stresses the act of coming to possess positions.

reach higher ranks

Focuses on the upward movement in a hierarchical structure.

advance in rank

Highlights the process of progressing to a higher level.

climb the ladder

Uses a metaphor to describe career progression.

move up the ranks

Focuses on upward mobility within an organization.

ascend to power

Indicates gaining influence and authority.

achieve prominence

Emphasizes gaining recognition and importance.

earn promotions

Highlights gaining higher positions through performance.

FAQs

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

You can use "gain positions" to describe someone's career progression or advancement within an organization. For example, "She worked diligently to gain positions of leadership within the company".

What can I say instead of "gain positions"?

You can use alternatives like "secure a position", "attain positions", or "advance in rank" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "gain positions" or "obtain positions"?

Both "gain positions" and "obtain positions" are correct, but "gain positions" often implies a more active and deliberate effort. "Obtain positions" can sometimes suggest a more passive acquisition.

What's the difference between "gaining positions" and "holding positions"?

"Gaining positions" refers to the act of acquiring or advancing into new roles, while "holding positions" refers to maintaining or occupying roles already attained. They describe different stages of a career or organizational involvement.