having been in a position to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "having been in a position to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has had the opportunity or capability to do something in the past. Example: "Having been in a position to influence the decision, I felt it was my responsibility to speak up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

While two losses to bowl teams -- Iowa and Illinois -- admittedly weren't pretty, nothing in Northwestern's CV suggests that Wisconsin should feel any shame for having been in a position to beat the Cats on their final drive in Evanston.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I've been in a similar position.

The Guardian - Sport

In recent years, CNN has been in a tricky position.

The New York Times

Bear Stearns has been in a similar position before.

The New York Times

has been in a tough position lately.

Huffington Post

"Kimberly has been in a difficult competitive position.

The New York Times

The Argentinian, though, had been in an offside position.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Forstmann has been in such a position before.

The New York Times

You have to be in a position to make decisions.

The New York Times - Sports

They had been in this position before.

The Guardian - Sport

"I've been in that position before.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "having been in a position to" to clearly indicate a past opportunity or capability that influenced a subsequent action or decision. It adds a layer of context to the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "having been in a position to" when a simpler phrase like "being able to" or "having the opportunity to" would suffice. Overcomplicating sentences can reduce clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having been in a position to" functions as an introductory participle phrase, modifying the main clause by providing context about a prior state of capability or opportunity. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "having been in a position to" is a grammatically correct participle phrase used to introduce a clause, indicating a past state of readiness, capability, or opportunity. As confirmed by Ludwig, its primary function is to explain or provide context for a subsequent action or decision. While most common in News & Media, it suits neutral to professional registers. For clearer and more concise communication, ensure that the situation warrants this rather complex phrase, or opt for simpler alternatives such as "having had the chance to" or "being able to".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having had the chance to

This alternative focuses on the opportunity that was available.

having been able to

This alternative emphasizes the capability or ability to do something.

having been capable of

This alternative highlights the inherent capacity or potential to perform an action.

having been equipped to

This alternative suggests that the subject possessed the necessary resources or skills.

having been prepared to

This alternative focuses on the readiness or willingness to take action.

having been in the situation to

This alternative emphasizes the specific circumstances that allowed the action.

having found oneself in a position to

This alternative indicates a less intentional, more circumstantial opportunity.

having been so situated as to

This alternative uses more formal language to convey the positioning.

being in a condition to

This alternative highlights the state or condition enabling the action.

having the wherewithal to

This alternative refers to having the necessary means or resources.

FAQs

How can I use "having been in a position to" in a sentence?

This phrase indicates a past state of readiness or opportunity. For example, "Having been in a position to influence the decision, I felt responsible to speak up."

What are some alternatives to "having been in a position to"?

You could use phrases like "having had the chance to", "having been able to", or "having been capable of" depending on the specific context.

Is "having been in a position to" formal or informal?

It leans towards the more formal side, suitable for professional or academic writing, but can be used in neutral contexts as well.

What's the difference between "having been in a position to" and "being in a position to"?

"Having been in a position to" refers to a past state or situation, while "being in a position to" refers to a current state. For example, "Having been in a position to know the facts, he acted accordingly" (past) versus "Being in a position to help, I offered my assistance" (present).