in a position to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a position to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating someone's capability or readiness to take on a role or responsibility. Example: "After months of training, I feel I am finally in a position to be considered for a leadership role."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A generation was not being put "in a position to be contributing democratic citizens".

The New Yorker

I don't get in a position to be frightened.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Not in a position to be choosy, I got in.

The New York Times

I didn't want Matthew or myself to be in a position to be used".

The New York Times

"My failures put me in a position to be where I am now," Wakamatsu, 45, said.

The New York Times - Sports

England cricketers are not in a position to be "holier than thou [or them]".

The Guardian - Sport

Journalists are not in a position to be loyal to all Bushes.

The New York Times

Mr. Gates, officials note, is in a position to be magnanimous with little left to prove.

The New York Times

This describes to John why he was in a position to be hurt.

The New York Times

He wants to be able to be in a position to be on this team".

The New York Times - Sports

Not all countries are in a position to be so strident, however.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in a position to be", ensure the sentence clearly states the action or state the subject is capable of achieving. Avoid vague or ambiguous phrasing.

Common error

While "in a position to be" is grammatically correct, excessive use can make writing sound stilted. Consider using simpler alternatives like "able to" or "ready to" for a more direct and concise style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a position to be" functions as a prepositional phrase acting as an adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe its state of readiness or capability. It indicates that someone or something has the necessary requirements or circumstances to perform a specific action or occupy a certain state. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in a position to be" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to indicate that someone or something has the necessary qualifications, resources, or circumstances to perform a specific action or assume a certain role. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, consider more concise alternatives like "able to be" in situations where emphasis on capability alone suffices. When writing, ensure clear articulation of the action or state the subject is positioned to achieve.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

able to be

Emphasizes the availability of resources or conditions to perform an action.

capable of being

Focuses on inherent ability or potential.

qualified to be

Stresses meeting the necessary criteria or standards.

ready to be

Highlights preparedness and willingness.

prepared to be

Focuses on the state of being ready and equipped for something.

eligible to be

Indicates meeting the requirements for a particular role or status.

entitled to be

Suggests having a right or legitimate claim.

poised to be

Suggests being on the brink of a significant development.

set to be

Implies a planned or scheduled action.

so situated as to be

A more formal way of expressing the necessary conditions for something to happen.

FAQs

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

You can use "in a position to be" to indicate someone's capability or readiness. For example: "The company is now "in a position to be" a leader in the industry." or "After training, the new employees are "in a position to be" more effective."

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

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

Is it more appropriate to say "able to be" or "in a position to be"?

While both are correct, "able to be" is often more concise. Use "in a position to be" when you want to emphasize the circumstances or preparation that enables the capability. For example, after a promotion, you are "in a position to be" more influential.

What does it mean to be "in a position to be" something?

To be "in a position to be" something implies that you have the necessary resources, skills, or circumstances to achieve a particular goal or state. It suggests readiness and capability.