held various positions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "held various positions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's career or professional experience. For example: "John has held various positions in the finance industry over the past 10 years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He also held various positions at Ford.

The New York Times - Sports

He held various positions at Eastman Kodak Company.

MIT Technology Review

She also held various positions with other orchestras.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Fahrenkopf has held various positions relating to his legal background.

Harvard University

Mr. Goldberg, a Pennington resident, has held various positions with the board since 1980.

The New York Times

She has also held various positions in sales & promotion and publishing.

The Guardian

Mr. Fomon held various positions in the securities industry during his career.

The New York Times

She has held various positions in the medical device and research industry.

Surgery

He subsequently held various positions in the Wisconsin Republican Party before becoming its chairman in 2007.

Britannica

Midcareer, she decided to try government work and held various positions in the Pataki administration.

The New York Times

From 1977 he held various positions at Technion, finally becoming a professor in 1984.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase when summarizing someone's professional journey, especially in resumes, biographies, or introductory speeches, to showcase their diverse skill set and adaptability.

Common error

Avoid using "held various positions" as a vague placeholder. Always aim to provide specific examples of the positions held or the skills gained in those roles to add value to the statement and avoid generalizations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "held various positions" functions as a concise way to summarize an individual's diverse professional background. It acts as a descriptor, indicating that the person has experience in multiple roles, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Academia

30%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

16%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "held various positions" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone's diverse professional background. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and utility across multiple contexts. While versatile, it's most effective when followed by specific examples or a general description of the types of roles. Its usage spans news, academic, and encyclopedia sources, demonstrating its widespread applicability. When using "held various positions", remember to provide adequate context to avoid vagueness and maximize its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

held multiple roles

Replaces "various" with "multiple", indicating more than one role without specifying the exact number.

held different posts

Substitutes "positions" with "posts", offering a slightly more formal tone.

occupied several positions

Uses "occupied" instead of "held", suggesting a formal assumption of duties.

served in diverse roles

Replaces "held various positions" with a more descriptive phrase indicating a range of roles.

undertook varied responsibilities

Shifts the focus from positions to the responsibilities associated with them.

accrued experience in different capacities

Emphasizes the accumulation of experience across different roles.

functioned in numerous capacities

Highlights the many ways someone operated within an organization.

worked in several capacities

Indicates experience in different roles within an organization.

gained expertise in diverse areas

Focuses on the expertise acquired from various experiences.

experienced a range of roles

Highlights the breadth of the individual's professional background.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "held various positions" in a sentence?

To effectively use "held various positions", follow it with specific examples or a general description of the types of roles. For example, "She "held various positions" in marketing, sales, and product development."

What are some alternatives to saying "held various positions"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "held multiple roles", "served in diverse roles", or "gained experience in different capacities".

Is it better to list specific positions rather than saying "held various positions"?

Listing specific positions is usually preferable as it provides more concrete information. However, ""held various positions"" is useful as a summary when space is limited or to highlight the breadth of experience.

What information should I include when stating someone "held various positions"?

Include the industry, the department, or the types of responsibilities involved. For instance, "He "held various positions" in the financial sector, ranging from analyst to portfolio manager."