in third place

USAGE SUMMARY

"in third place" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about the third position in a ranking, sequence, or list. For example, "In third place in the race was James."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Romney finished in third place.

The Guardian

McIlroy is in third place.

The New York Times - Sports

He is alone in third place.

The New York Times

Again he finished in third place.

Encyclopedia Britannica

China and Japan tie in third place.

The Economist

(Ms. Hilton is now in third place).

The New York Times

In third place, Liverpool.

The Guardian - Sport

We came in third place".

The New York Times - Magazine

He restarted in third place.

The New York Times - Sports

Tyco was in third place.

The New York Times - Sports

Attribute-based equity trails in third place.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in third place" to clearly and directly indicate a ranking or position in a competition, list, or hierarchy. For example, "Our company is in third place in market share."

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions such as "at third place" or "on third place"; the correct preposition is "in".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in third place" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb by indicating the position or ranking achieved. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It specifies where someone or something ended up in a competition or ranking, similar to the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in third place" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to denote the third position in a ranking or competition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. Its prevalence is evident across various contexts, particularly in news and media, where it is commonly used to report results and standings. While alternatives like "ranked third" or "finished third" exist, "in third place" offers a straightforward and easily understood way to convey the information. Remember to use the preposition "in" correctly and avoid less common phrases. This phrase is versatile and appropriate for most writing situations, maintaining a neutral tone suitable for diverse audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ranked third

This alternative uses a verb form to express the same concept of holding the third position.

came in third

Similar meaning, but uses a verb phrase to describe the act of achieving third place.

finished third

This option emphasizes the completion of an event and the final ranking.

took third position

Replaces "place" with "position", offering a slightly more formal tone.

placed third

A more concise way of saying the same thing, using the verb "place".

third-ranked

Adjectival form describing something or someone that holds the third rank.

in the third spot

Replaces "place" with "spot", providing a slightly more casual feel.

number three

Simplifies the expression to refer to the numerical rank.

third from the top

Specifies that the ranking is from the highest position downwards.

holding third place

Emphasizes the current state of occupying the third position.

FAQs

How can I use "in third place" in a sentence?

You can use "in third place" to describe the ranking of a person, team, or item. For example: "The team finished "in third place" in the competition" or "The product ranks "in third place" in sales".

What are some alternatives to saying "in third place"?

Alternatives include "ranked third", "came in third", or "finished third". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "in third position" instead of "in third place"?

Saying "in third position" is slightly more formal than "in third place", but both are acceptable in most contexts.

Can I use "third-place" as an adjective?

Yes, you can use "third-place" as an adjective. For example, "They won the third-place prize" or "She is a third-place finisher".