in a position to question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a position to question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that someone has the authority, ability, or circumstances to ask questions about a particular matter. Example: "As the project manager, I am in a position to question the decisions made by the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"I was not in a position to question it," said Brenda Fahie, the psychologist.

The New York Times

"As a novice, I wasn't in a position to question that.

The New York Times - Food

"Whatever variables came into play, OpSail is not in a position to question the decisions".

The New York Times

You, however, are not in a position to question the merits of this query.

The New York Times - Magazine

Merricat, whose fidelity to the idea of family unity no one is in a position to question, comes to her aid.

The Guardian - Books

"Ordinary Joe Soaps were wondering where all the money was coming from, but they were not in a position to question it," Mrs. Delamere said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Gormez is in a unique position to question Baghdadi's claim to the caliph's seat.

Huffington Post

She then quickly noted that Senator John McCain was in no position to question any change of heart by Mr. Obama because he himself had switched positions on several issues.

The New York Times

Davis also told Pete Thamel of The New York Times that he knew Tomaselli was lying, but said he's "not in position to question anybody".

Huffington Post

For Kraus, who is in a very secure financial and career position, to question the very insecurely positioned Calloway's not being nice is akin to natural-born citizens accusing an illegal immigrant of having an entirely unethical character because of the lie about citizenship: the powerless and the unlucky sometimes have to lie.

Vice

Sharpling said they had to postpone a Birmingham "listening event" until March because they were not in a position to answer questions about their future.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a position to question" to indicate that someone has the necessary authority, knowledge, or circumstances to inquire about or challenge something. It's particularly useful when highlighting a power dynamic or a specific entitlement.

Common error

Avoid assuming that being "in a position to question" automatically implies the right to demand answers or take action. The phrase only suggests the ability to inquire, not necessarily the power to enforce change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a position to question" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that someone possesses the necessary authority, ability, or circumstances to inquire about or challenge something. As Ludwig AI explains, it conveys the capacity to scrutinize or investigate.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a position to question" effectively conveys the ability or authority to inquire about or challenge something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts. It's most commonly found in News & Media and Scientific articles, indicating its relevance in professional and academic discourse. While "in a position to question" is frequently used, writers should be mindful of the implied power dynamics and ensure they're using it appropriately. Alternatives like "able to challenge" or "entitled to inquire" can offer nuanced expressions of the same concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

able to challenge

Focuses on the ability to dispute or contest something, rather than just ask about it.

entitled to inquire

Emphasizes the right or entitlement to ask questions, which may not always be present.

capable of challenging

Highlights the competence or skill to question or oppose something effectively.

authorized to investigate

Suggests a formal permission or mandate to examine something, often implying a deeper level of scrutiny.

at liberty to ask

Highlights the freedom or lack of constraint in posing questions.

have grounds to doubt

Indicates that there is a basis for skepticism or uncertainty, prompting questioning.

empowered to scrutinize

Emphasizes that someone has been given the power or authority to examine something carefully.

free to interrogate

Implies an unrestricted ability to ask probing or detailed questions.

eligible to dispute

Focuses on meeting the requirements or qualifications to argue against something.

with the prerogative to quiz

Suggests having a special right or privilege to ask questions.

FAQs

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

You can use "in a position to question" to indicate someone's authority or ability to inquire about something. For example, "As a senior analyst, she was "in a position to question" the CEO's decisions".

What's a more formal way to say "in a position to question"?

A more formal alternative could be "entitled to inquire" or "authorized to investigate". These phrases emphasize the right or formal permission to ask questions or examine something.

Is it always appropriate to be "in a position to question" someone?

While the phrase implies the ability to inquire, the appropriateness depends on context and social dynamics. Even if someone is "in a position to question", tact and respect are always important.

What can I say instead of "in a position to question" if I want to sound less confrontational?

Instead of "in a position to question", you could use phrases like "able to inquire", "able to ask", or "able to seek clarification", which are less direct and more collaborative.