in position

USAGE SUMMARY

"in position" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe something which has been arranged in the correct or assigned location, or placed in a desired area. For example: "The furniture was rearranged into position in the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We were in position alongside the car.

The New Yorker

The baryons were stuck in position.

The Economist

Broad belts held the shawls in position.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Guys are in position.

The New York Times - Sports

I'll get in position next time.

Independent

2. Stand in position.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Hamilton's back in position again.

The Guardian - Sport

"He was always in position.

The Guardian - Sport

"I've put myself in position.

The New York Times - Sports

"We put ourselves in position to lose".

The New York Times - Sports

I don't get caught up in position.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a sequence of actions, use "in position" to mark the completion of a setup phase before the main action begins. For example: "With the equipment "in position", the experiment could commence."

Common error

Avoid using "in position" when referring to abstract or conceptual states that do not involve physical placement. For example, instead of saying "The company is "in position" to succeed", consider using "well-prepared" or "ready" to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in position" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to indicate location, state of readiness, or strategic placement. Ludwig shows that it often describes where someone or something is located or prepared for a specific action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in position" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe a state of readiness, correct placement, or strategic advantage. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, from news and media to scientific writing and even informal guides. Its primary function is to modify verbs, indicating location and preparedness. While generally neutral in register, it's most frequently found in news and media sources. When using this phrase, ensure it refers to concrete placement rather than abstract concepts to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases include "correctly placed" and "strategically located".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

correctly placed

Focuses on the accuracy of the placement.

well-positioned

Indicates a favorable placement.

strategically located

Emphasizes the advantage of the placement.

in the correct spot

Highlights accuracy in a less formal way.

ready and waiting

Highlights the state of preparedness.

suitably arranged

Focuses on the arrangement being appropriate.

in readiness

More formal way of indicating preparation.

at the ready

Similar to "ready and waiting" but slightly more formal.

at the designated location

Emphasizes a pre-determined place.

in alignment

Focuses on being correctly lined up.

FAQs

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

You can use "in position" to describe something that is correctly placed or ready for action. For example, "The soldiers were "in position" before the attack began" or "The camera is "in position" to capture the sunset".

What are some alternatives to using "in position"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "correctly placed", "strategically located", or "at the ready".

Is it better to say "in position" or "into position"?

"In position" describes a state of being, while "into position" describes the act of moving something. For example, "The pieces are "in position" for the final move" versus "He moved the knight "into position"".

What does it mean when someone says they are "in position" to do something?

It means they are well-prepared, ready, and have the necessary resources or qualifications to accomplish a specific task or goal. It suggests a state of readiness and capability, similar to being "well-positioned" or "at the ready".