have been positioned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been positioned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has been placed or arranged in a particular location or situation over a period of time. Example: "The new furniture have been positioned strategically to enhance the flow of the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

How do you think the machines have been positioned?

The Guardian - Tech

Tanks have been positioned through the zones of conflict.

The New York Times

Officers wearing body armour and holding sniper-style rifles have been positioned atop them.

The Guardian

Whether or not she is found guilty, this is where George seems to have been positioned thus far.

The Guardian - Opinion

At the other end is a stone arch, under which the organ and choir initially would have been positioned.

The New York Times

On the far side of a huge, echoing room, Malala and her father have been positioned on a sofa, like stowaways.

The Guardian

Around 10,000 police and security agents have erected a ring of steel around the town, while Argentinian navy vessels have been positioned off the coast.

The Guardian

Since 2008-9, really, we have been positioned to invest in debt-type strategies in Europe, anticipating that there would be very compelling opportunities in that space.

The New York Times

In downturns, consumers often trade down to less expensive restaurants, and Firehouse Subs should have been positioned to capture some of these customers.

The New York Times

Both men use nationalism to drum up support, and both have been positioned by their backers as successors to Egypt's widely respected 60s autocrat, Gamal Abdel Nasser.

The Guardian

The letter says: "British universities have been positioned as central culprits for failing to regulate their intake of foreign students, while rendered dependent on overseas student fees because of government funding cuts".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have been positioned" to clearly indicate that something has been deliberately placed in a specific location or role, especially when highlighting strategic intent or planning.

Common error

While "have been positioned" is grammatically sound, avoid overuse of passive constructions. Consider whether an active voice alternative would make your writing more direct and impactful. For example, instead of "The troops have been positioned," you might write "The general positioned the troops."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been positioned" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that something has undergone the action of being placed or arranged in a specific location or situation. As shown by Ludwig, this emphasizes the state or resulting location rather than the actor performing the action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have been positioned" is a versatile passive voice construction frequently used to describe the placement or arrangement of something, often with strategic implications. Ludwig AI shows that it is grammatically correct and appears very commonly in News & Media and Science sources. While the phrase is generally acceptable, writers should be mindful of potential overuse of the passive voice and consider active alternatives for more direct communication. Related phrases include ""have been placed"" and ""have been located"", offering similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis. Effective use of "have been positioned" involves considering the context and choosing the most precise term to convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been placed

Focuses on the act of putting something in a specific location.

have been located

Emphasizes the finding or establishment of a location.

have been stationed

Implies a more permanent or strategic placement, often for personnel or equipment.

have been arranged

Highlights the organization or order in which things are set up.

have been set up

Indicates the establishment of something, often with a specific purpose.

have been deployed

Suggests a strategic or tactical placement, often in a military or logistical context.

have been aligned

Implies an arrangement to be in agreement or cooperation.

have been situated

Highlights the specific site or position something occupies.

have been installed

Focuses on the act of setting something in position for use or service.

have been established

Indicates the founding or setting up of something in a particular place or role.

FAQs

What does "have been positioned" mean?

The phrase "have been positioned" means that something or someone has been placed in a specific location, role, or situation, often intentionally or strategically. It emphasizes the resulting state of being located or situated in a particular way.

How can I use "have been positioned" in a sentence?

You can use "have been positioned" to describe the location of objects, the arrangement of items, or the roles assigned to people. For example: "The tanks "have been located" strategically.", "The products "have been placed" on shelves.", or "The team members "have been deployed" in key areas."

What are some alternatives to "have been positioned"?

Some alternatives to "have been positioned" include "have been placed", "have been located", "have been stationed", or "have been arranged". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "have been positioned"?

The passive voice construction "have been positioned" is useful when you want to emphasize the placement or state of something rather than the actor performing the positioning. However, using the active voice can often create a more direct and concise sentence. For instance, instead of saying "The chairs "have been placed" in the room" consider the option of using the active construction and instead saying: "Someone placed the chairs in the room".