in a position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a position" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a situation in which someone or something is in a certain state or place. For example: "The professor was in a position to offer sage advice to her students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Denver was in a position of weakness.

The New York Times

We are in a position to grow".

The Guardian - Business

I'm not in a position to judge.

The Guardian

Masback is in a position of weakness.

The New York Times - Sports

She is in a position of leverage".

The New York Times

I'm not in a position to mind.

The Guardian - Music

My father was in a position.

The New Yorker

We're always in a position to win".

The New York Times - Sports

You're in a position of power there.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We're not in a position to dictate.

The New York Times

We're not in a position to undo".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a position" to clearly indicate someone's capacity or opportunity to act, ensuring the context specifies what they are capable of doing.

Common error

Avoid using "in a position" without clearly defining what the subject is positioned to do. Vague usage weakens the statement; specify the action or outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a position" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating their state, capability, or circumstance. As Ludwig highlights, it denotes someone's capacity or opportunity to act.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

6%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a position" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate someone's state, capability, or opportunity. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically sound and widely used. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, this phrase is commonly found in news, business, and general contexts, and its meaning shifts subtly depending on the surrounding words. To ensure clarity, avoid vague usage and always specify what the subject is positioned to do. Remember, being "in a position" does not always imply being "in a position of power".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

able to

This alternative focuses on the capacity or ability to do something, rather than the circumstances.

capable of

Similar to "able to", this highlights the inherent capability or skill to perform an action.

in a state to

This phrase emphasizes the condition or situation that allows something to happen.

ready to

Implies preparedness and willingness, adding a sense of readiness to the situation.

prepared to

Similar to "ready to", but emphasizes the effort made to be in the appropriate state.

empowered to

Highlights the authority or power given to someone to take action.

entitled to

Indicates a right or privilege to do something, adding a legal or moral dimension.

well-placed to

Emphasizes advantageous positioning or circumstances that favor success.

situated to

Focuses on the physical or metaphorical location that enables a specific outcome.

apt to

Suggests a natural tendency or inclination towards a particular action or outcome.

FAQs

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

Use "in a position" to describe someone's capacity, opportunity, or state. For example: "The company is "in a position" to expand its operations overseas."

What are some alternatives to "in a position"?

Alternatives include "able to", "capable of", or "ready to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say 'in position' instead of "in a position"?

While "in position" can be correct, it usually refers to a physical location or arrangement, unlike "in a position" which often describes a state or capability. For example: "The soldiers were in position" versus "The general was "in a position" to make critical decisions".

What's the difference between "in a position of power" and simply "in a position"?

"In a position of power" specifically indicates authority and influence, while "in a position" more broadly describes someone's state, capability, or opportunity. If someone is "in a position", that doesn't always mean they are "in a position of power".