he obtained a position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he obtained a position" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone successfully acquiring a job or role within an organization. Example: "After several interviews, he obtained a position as a software developer at the tech company."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

In 1876 he obtained a position with Harvard University, where he taught until 1912.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He then studied mathematics at the University of Halle before he obtained a position as a professor of astronomy at Leipzig in 1816.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In 1926 he obtained a position with the university in Oslo, where he continued his studies until his retirement in 1932.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He obtained a position at a well-regarded private girls' school, and spent the next five years teaching history and literature, establishing a reputation as a polite and reliable teacher.

SEP

On the basis of this work he obtained a position in the Philosophy Department of Kyoto University, where he went on to ceaselessly develop his thought and to decisively influence subsequent generations of original philosophers, including the two other most prominent members of the Kyoto School, Tanabe Hajime (1885 1962) and Nishitani Keiji (1900 1990).

SEP

Instead he obtained a position as a chemistry instructor at Fisk University.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

He later obtained a position as a lay clerk in Manchester cathedral choir, where he stayed for the next 35 years.

The Guardian - Music

He immediately obtained a position in the United States at the University of Kentucky, and the following year he left to work with Hermann Weyl at the Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton, New Jersey.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ellen was not keen to go and only did so after William lied that he had obtained a position in a jute factory there.

Wikipedia

In 1963 he obtained a teaching position at Brooklyn College, New York, where he taught military history until 1983.

The Guardian

In August 1764 he obtained a permanent position in Lucca with the local church and theatre orchestras.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For a less formal context, consider alternatives like "he got a job" or "he landed a job".

Common error

While grammatically correct, "he obtained a position" can sound overly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for more natural alternatives like "got a job" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he obtained a position" functions as a statement indicating that an individual has successfully acquired employment or a specific role. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in diverse written contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he obtained a position" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to describe someone's successful acquisition of a job or role. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for formal writing and professional contexts, though less appropriate for casual conversation where alternatives like "he got a job" might be better. The phrase appears most frequently in encyclopedias and science publications. Keep in mind the level of formality required in your communication when choosing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he secured a post

This alternative suggests a formal tone, emphasizing the act of firmly gaining a position.

he landed a job

This phrase is more informal, emphasizing the success of finding employment.

he gained employment

This is a more formal and general way of saying someone started working.

he was appointed to a role

This suggests that someone was officially chosen for a specific duty.

he took up a position

Indicates the person accepted and started in the new role.

he started in a role

This is a straightforward way of stating someone commenced working in a role.

he found a place of employment

This highlights the result of actively seeking and acquiring work.

he got a post

Similar to 'he landed a job' but slightly more formal.

he assumed a position

Implies the person took on the responsibilities of the role.

he was hired for a job

Focuses on the employer's action of employing someone.

FAQs

What does "he obtained a position" mean?

The phrase "he obtained a position" means that someone successfully acquired a job or role within an organization. It indicates the successful outcome of a job search or application process.

What can I say instead of "he obtained a position"?

You can use alternatives like "he secured a post", "he landed a job", or "he gained employment" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "he obtained a position" formal or informal?

The phrase "he obtained a position" leans toward the formal side. Simpler alternatives like "he got a job" or "he started a job" are more suitable for informal contexts.

How to use "he obtained a position" in a sentence?

Here's an example: "After several interviews, he obtained a position as a software developer at the tech company." You can use this phrase to describe anyone who has successfully acquired a job or role.