got in position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "got in position" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that has moved into a specific place or stance, often in preparation for an action or event. Example: "The players got in position before the referee blew the whistle to start the game."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

With the game in hand, Clemson finally got in position to score.

The Washington Post

He got in position, but the ball went straight through his hands.

The Guardian - Sport

They got in position to make that kick because the offense was aggressive and they marched down the field to win the game".

The New York Times - Sports

"We all got in position to crash, the attendants began to shout, 'Hold on' and things like that," Mr. Marcelino said.

The New York Times

Jones could not field it, and Zeile slipped slightly as he got in position to field it, the ball skipping through his legs.

The New York Times - Sports

DiPietro got in position to fight and signaled to Montoya — who has not played in a regular-season N.H.L. game — to take off his gloves and mask.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

We got in positions but didn't capitalise". The best had been eked out just before the quarter-hour mark.

The Guardian - Sport

I'll get in position next time.

Independent

The teachers jostled to get in position.

The New Yorker

You have to get in position to stop him".

The New York Times - Sports

He made a nice run to get in position for his goal.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "got in position" when describing a deliberate movement to a location to prepare for a subsequent action. This implies readiness and anticipation.

Common error

While acceptable, "got in position" can sound informal in professional contexts. Consider stronger verbs like "assumed", "established", or "maneuvered" to convey a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "got in position" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the action of moving to a specific location or stance. Ludwig's examples show this usage across various contexts, highlighting its action-oriented nature.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "got in position" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to denote movement into a preparatory stance. Though Ludwig AI confirms its validity, its frequency leans towards uncommon. It's particularly prevalent in News & Media and Wiki contexts, but less so in formal academic or scientific writing. When selecting alternatives, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey, with options like "moved into place" offering a close semantic match. While acceptable in most scenarios, be mindful of formality and choose stronger verbs in professional settings. Ultimately, "got in position" serves as a clear and straightforward way to describe readiness through spatial arrangement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moved into place

Focuses on the physical act of moving to a designated spot.

assumed a stance

Emphasizes a specific posture or attitude adopted.

took up a station

Highlights occupying a post or location for a particular purpose.

prepared oneself

Indicates mental and physical readiness.

arranged themselves

Suggests a collective and organized positioning.

lined up

Implies forming a line, often in anticipation of something.

readied for action

Focuses on the imminent execution of a task.

established a foothold

Indicates securing an advantageous starting point.

maneuvered into location

Emphasizes skillful or strategic movement.

set the stage

Focuses on creating conditions for an event to occur.

FAQs

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

You can use "got in position" to describe a physical movement to prepare for an action, such as "The players "got in position" before the play began."

What are some alternatives to "got in position"?

Alternatives include "moved into place", "assumed a stance", or "lined up", depending on the specific context.

Is "got in position" formal or informal?

The phrase "got in position" is generally considered neutral to informal. For more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "assumed a stance" or "took up a station".

When is it appropriate to use "got in position" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "got in position" in most writing contexts, but consider your audience. Choose a more formal alternative for professional or academic writing.