in the same position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the same position" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe physical orientation (e.g. "The two chairs were in the same position"), or figurative placement (e.g. "They found themselves in the same position of uncertainty").

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We're in the same position".

The New York Times - Sports

Many colleagues are in the same position.

The New York Times

We are in the same position now.

Independent

Microsoft is in the same position.

The New York Times

"We are in the same position.

The Guardian - Sport

I'd been in the same position before.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You are in the same position".

The Guardian

Lawyers are in the same position.

The Guardian

Minaya is in the same position.

The New York Times - Sports

They're exactly in the same position in scale.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Coach Williams had not been in the same position.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in the same position" to describe people's situations, ensure the context clearly identifies what specific aspects of their situations are similar. For example, "Both companies are in the same position regarding market share", clarifies the shared circumstance.

Common error

Avoid using "in the same position" when the similarities are superficial or lack meaningful connection. If the shared aspect is too broad, such as "Both countries are in the same position of existing", the statement becomes less informative and less useful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the same position" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a shared state, location, or circumstance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used. For instance, "We are in the same position now" indicates a shared condition or status.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the same position" is a versatile expression used to denote shared circumstances, status, or physical location. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for a wide range of contexts. With a "Very common" frequency, this phrase appears most often in "News & Media", "Academia", and "Science" contexts. When writing, ensure that the specific similarities are clear to avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives such as "in similar circumstances" and "facing the same situation" can provide subtle variations in meaning. Avoid the incorrect phrasing "in a same position".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in similar circumstances

Focuses on the shared conditions or events surrounding a situation, rather than just the resulting state.

under comparable conditions

Highlights the similarity in the factors influencing a situation, suggesting a parallel context.

facing the same situation

Emphasizes the act of confronting a shared set of challenges or circumstances.

experiencing the same plight

Draws attention to a shared negative or difficult situation, often implying a sense of hardship.

in an analogous situation

Suggests that the situation shares key characteristics with another, allowing for comparison and potential lessons.

similarly situated

A more formal way of saying someone is in a comparable situation, often used in legal or official contexts.

sharing the same predicament

Highlights the shared difficulty or unpleasant situation that multiple parties find themselves in.

on equal footing

Suggests that individuals or entities have the same level of advantage or disadvantage.

in the same boat

An idiomatic expression emphasizing shared difficulties or challenges.

subject to the same conditions

Focuses on the external factors influencing the circumstances of different individuals or entities.

FAQs

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

You can use "in the same position" to describe a shared situation, status, or physical location. For example, "Both companies are "in the same position" regarding market share", or "The chess pieces were "in the same position" as before".

What are some alternatives to saying "in the same position"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "in similar circumstances", "facing the same situation", or "similarly situated".

Is it correct to say "in a same position"?

No, the correct phrasing is "in the same position". The definite article "the" is necessary to specify that it is a particular, shared situation or location.

What's the difference between "in the same position" and "in a similar position"?

"In the same position" implies an identical or nearly identical state, whereas "in a similar position" suggests a resemblance but not necessarily an exact match. They are similar but have distinct meaning.