in a position to judge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a position to judge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's ability or authority to evaluate or assess a situation or person. Example: "As an experienced professional in this field, I feel I am in a position to judge the quality of the work presented."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

I'm not in a position to judge.

The Guardian

I'm not in a position to judge that.

The Economist

I never met this wife, and so am not in a position to judge her.

The New Yorker

And this is why I am in a position to judge its merits.

The Guardian - Music

So I'm not in a position to judge her for it.

The Guardian - Opinion

We are not yet in a position to judge what Clattenburg said in the heat of confrontation with players.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Schreiterer is in a good position to judge: His wife, a professor of history, is currently considering an offer from Yale University.

Science Magazine

It sounds as if Truss, locked away in her ivory tower, is not in a good position to judge.

The New York Times

Editor J. Mac McClellan writes in the May 2000 issue: "I'm in a perfect position to judge the odds of success for the Eclipse, having watched so many "paper" airplanes and airplane companies come and go, with near-zero success, in my 24 years as an aviation magazine editor.

Forbes

Though judgments of taste remain fundamentally subjective, and though certain contemporary works or objects may appear irremediably controversial, the long-run consensus of people who are in a good position to judge functions analogously to an objective standard and renders such standards unnecessary even if they could be identified.

SEP

Those assumptions may be spelled out in the next year, says Gladman, leaving astronomers in a better position to judge whether the solar system ends abruptly.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid overuse, vary your language by employing synonyms such as "qualified to assess" or "able to evaluate", particularly in lengthy documents.

Common error

Avoid using "in a position to judge" when referring to personal opinions without a factual basis. The phrase implies a level of expertise or access to information that justifies the judgment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a position to judge" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that someone possesses the necessary qualifications, knowledge, or authority to form a valid assessment or opinion. This is supported by Ludwig, which showcases various examples of its usage in reputable sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a position to judge" is a common expression used to indicate that someone has the necessary qualifications, knowledge, or authority to make a valid assessment or opinion. As Ludwig examples show, it is widely used in news, science, and formal business contexts. While grammatically correct, it's important to use this phrase when there is a factual basis for judgment, and to vary your language by employing synonyms to avoid overuse. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, understanding the scope of authority is crucial to avoid misuse and properly convey credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

qualified to assess

Indicates having the necessary skills or knowledge to evaluate something, emphasizing competence.

in a place to evaluate

This variation changes the wording to "in a place to evaluate", maintaining the core meaning of having the opportunity to assess.

well-suited to judge

Highlights the suitability and appropriateness of someone to make a judgment.

able to evaluate

Highlights the capability to assess or determine the value or significance of something.

capable of assessing

Emphasizes the inherent capability or skill in evaluating a matter.

have the authority to assess

Focuses directly on the possession of authority, making it a more forceful synonym.

fit to make a judgment

Focuses on the fitness or preparedness of someone to form an opinion or decision.

competent to decide

Focuses on having the required ability and authority to make a decision or judgment.

authorized to determine

Emphasizes the official permission or right to establish or ascertain something.

entitled to adjudicate

Highlights the right or qualification to act as a judge or arbitrator.

FAQs

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

You can use "in a position to judge" to indicate that someone has the necessary knowledge, experience, or authority to make a fair assessment. For example, "As an experienced professional in this field, I feel I am "in a position to judge" the quality of the work presented".

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "qualified to assess", "able to evaluate", or "competent to decide".

Is it appropriate to use "in a position to judge" in formal writing?

Yes, "in a position to judge" is suitable for formal writing, especially when you need to convey that someone has the expertise or authority to make a reasoned judgment. However, consider using more formal alternatives like "authorized to determine" in highly formal contexts.

What's the difference between "in a position to judge" and "entitled to judge"?

"In a position to judge" implies having the necessary qualifications or knowledge, while "entitled to adjudicate" suggests having the right or authority, often legally or officially granted. The former focuses on capability, the latter on right.