in a position to

USAGE SUMMARY

"in a position to" is an appropriate phrase to use in written English.
It describes an ability, opportunity, or privilege to do something. For example, "He graduated from college, putting him in a position to pursue his dreams of becoming a doctor."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Vaux is in a position to know.

Harvard University

Hence, not in a position to comment.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

not in a position to appear.

Princeton University

We are in a position to grow".

The Guardian - Business

I'm not in a position to judge.

The Guardian

I'm not in a position to mind.

The Guardian - Music

He was in a position to know.

The Guardian - Books

"We're not in a position to dictate.

The New York Times

We're not in a position to undo".

The New York Times

It is in a position to police the field.

Cornell University

"We're in a position to get to the playoffs.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a position to" when you want to emphasize the circumstances or qualifications that make someone capable of a particular action. It adds a layer of formality and often suggests a strategic advantage or preparedness.

Common error

While "in a position to" is a useful phrase, avoid using it excessively in your writing. Overuse can make your writing sound verbose and less impactful. Opt for more concise alternatives like "able to" or "can" when appropriate to maintain clarity and flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a position to" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe their capability or readiness to perform a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

27%

Formal & Business

24%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a position to" is a versatile expression used to denote capability or readiness to perform an action, as validated by Ludwig AI. Analysis of numerous examples reveals its frequent occurrence in News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business contexts, indicating its broad applicability. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, it's essential to use this phrase judiciously, avoiding overuse to maintain clarity and impact in writing. Remember to consider simpler alternatives like "able to" or "capable of" depending on the specific context. Ludwig's examples and related phrases provide a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively incorporate this phrase into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

able to

A more direct and concise way of expressing the ability to do something.

capable of

Emphasizes the inherent ability or skill to perform an action.

equipped to

Highlights the resources or tools available to accomplish a task.

prepared to

Focuses on the readiness and willingness to undertake a specific action.

ready to

Similar to "prepared to" but with a slightly more immediate sense of readiness.

in a state to

Highlights current condition that enables a particular action

empowered to

Indicates that someone has been given the authority or power to do something.

authorized to

Similar to "empowered to" but emphasizes formal permission or approval.

eligible to

Indicates that someone meets the requirements or qualifications to do something.

entitled to

Suggests a right or claim to perform a specific action or receive a particular benefit.

FAQs

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

Use "in a position to" to describe someone's ability or readiness to do something based on their circumstances. For example, "After the training, they are in a position to handle complex tasks".

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

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

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

Both phrases are correct, but "in a position to" is more formal and emphasizes the circumstances enabling the action. "Able to" is more direct and general.

When is it inappropriate to use "in a position to"?

Avoid using "in a position to" in very informal contexts or when a simpler alternative like "can" or "able to" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound stilted.