in a commanding position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a commanding position" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that has a dominant or advantageous status in a particular context or situation. Example: "The general's strategic planning placed the army in a commanding position to win the battle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I was in a commanding position.

The Guardian

It is true that Trump is in a commanding position.

The New Yorker

But 10 years on, Kelly is in a commanding position.

The Guardian

Based on past performance, Stosur's victory puts her in a commanding position to reach the final.

The New York Times

Celtic struck early in the second-half which looked to put them in a commanding position.

The Guardian - Sport

He pushed his agenda at a moment when polls show him in a commanding position.

The New York Times

Then we scored to put ourselves in a commanding position and were in control.

The Guardian - Sport

"That speech put him in a commanding position to win the 1996 election," Mr. Waldman said.

The New York Times

These compounds, or château-forts, were usually placed on hills in a commanding position above river valleys.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Americans are already in a commanding position, leading their opponents by 5 points after the first three games.

The New York Times - Sports

But the piles of money and negative ads have clearly put Mr. Portman in a commanding position.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a commanding position" to describe a situation where someone or something has a clear advantage or control. It can apply to physical locations, strategic advantages, or market dominance.

Common error

Avoid using "in a commanding position" merely to add length to passive sentences. Instead, focus on active voice to show who or what is taking command. For example, instead of "The team was placed in a commanding position by the coach", write "The coach's strategy put the team in a commanding position".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a commanding position" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or verb to describe a state of advantage or control. Ludwig AI's examples showcase its use in diverse contexts from sports to business, illustrating its versatility in indicating dominance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a commanding position" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe a state of advantage, control, or dominance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly employed across various contexts, especially in news and media. The examples highlight its applicability in sports, politics, and business. While alternatives like "in a dominant position" or "in control" exist, "in a commanding position" offers a nuanced way to express superiority and influence, making it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a dominant position

Emphasizes control and influence, similar to the original phrase but with a stronger focus on power.

in a superior position

Highlights an advantage over others, focusing on higher rank or status.

in a leading position

Suggests being ahead of others, often in a competitive context.

in control

Indicates having authority and management over a situation or entity.

at the helm

Implies leadership and guidance, often used in organizational or directional contexts.

at the forefront

Focuses on being in the most advanced or prominent position.

holding the reins

Suggests managing or controlling something, often with a sense of restraint.

in the driver's seat

Implies being in control and able to direct the course of events.

calling the shots

Indicates making the important decisions and directing actions.

having the upper hand

Emphasizes having an advantage over someone else in a competitive situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "in a commanding position" to describe someone or something that holds a dominant or advantageous status. For example, "After the merger, the company was "in a commanding position" in the market".

What are some alternatives to "in a commanding position"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in a dominant position", "in a superior position", or "in control" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "in a commanding position" or "in a leadership role"?

The choice depends on the context. "In a commanding position" emphasizes control and advantage, while "in a leadership role" focuses on guidance and influence. They are not perfectly interchangeable.

What does it mean when someone is described as being "in a commanding position"?

It typically means they are in a situation where they have a significant advantage, control, or influence over others or a particular situation.