in a position of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a position of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone or something that is in a certain position, or when talking about a situation in which a person or thing holds a certain rank or authority. For example: "The CEO is in a position of power within the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A year ago, the United States was in a position of global leadership on women's issues.

Huffington Post

Denver was in a position of weakness.

The New York Times

Masback is in a position of weakness.

The New York Times - Sports

She is in a position of leverage".

The New York Times

You're in a position of power there.

The New York Times - Magazine

Now he's in a position of defending himself".

The New York Times - Sports

I saw August in a position of power.

The New Yorker

It puts us in a position of flexibility".

The New York Times - Sports

It kept me in a position of invisible observation".

The New York Times - Arts

We are in a position of trust with our constituents.

The Guardian

"They're not exactly in a position of power," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in a position of" consider if a stronger synonym like "responsible for" or "in charge of" might be more direct and impactful.

Common error

While versatile, overuse of "in a position of" can make writing sound verbose. Opt for more concise alternatives like "leading" or "managing" to improve readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a position of" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a noun or pronoun. It indicates the role, status, or condition someone or something occupies. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in a position of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe someone's role, status, or condition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various contexts. While appropriate for both formal and informal settings, it's essential to consider context and potentially use stronger alternatives for more directness. Primarily used in news, formal business, and science, it maintains a neutral register. When writing, be mindful of overuse and opt for concise alternatives when possible. The frequent presence of this phrase in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability in professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in charge of

This directly indicates responsibility and control over something.

in control of

This emphasizes the power to manage or direct something effectively.

responsible for

This denotes accountability without necessarily implying authority.

with authority over

This underscores the legitimate power to make decisions and give orders.

in a state of

This suggests a temporary condition or situation, differing from a more established role or authority.

at the helm of

Suggests leadership or guidance, particularly in an organization or project.

in a situation of

This highlights the circumstances someone faces, rather than their direct control or influence.

at the forefront of

This implies leading or pioneering in a particular field or movement.

in a place of

This implies a location or standing, which may or may not include power or control.

with the capacity for

This focuses on the potential to do something, rather than an active role.

FAQs

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

You can use "in a position of" to describe someone's role, responsibility, or state. For example: "The manager is "in a position of authority".".

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

Depending on the context, alternatives include "responsible for", "in charge of", or "leading". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "in a position to" or "in a position of"?

"In a position to" usually describes the ability to do something, while "in a position of" describes someone's role or status. For example, "She is "in a position to help"" versus "She is "in a position of power"".

Can "in a position of" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, "in a position of" is versatile and appropriate in both formal and informal settings. However, in very informal contexts, simpler alternatives might be preferred. Consider your audience when choosing the best phrasing.