in various positions

USAGE SUMMARY

"in various positions" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can refer to literal physical positions, as well as figurative positions such as job roles or opinions. Example: The teacher placed the students in various positions around the classroom for group work. Example: The company offers opportunities for growth and advancement in various positions within the organization.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He served in various positions there before becoming post commander.

The New York Times

She served in various positions prior to her long association with Westchester County Medical Center.

The New York Times

[Photograph shows the dancers in various positions against a pale blue-grey background.

The New Yorker

Workers being laid off are salaried employees in various positions, a company spokesman said.

The New York Times

"They were distributed within the room in various positions, the dead with the injured.

The Guardian

Ms. Lombardini joined the group in 1982 and has served in various positions, including general counsel.

The New York Times

He worked in various positions designing control systems for naval vessels.

The New York Times

In the past he has made sculptures from casts of his hands in various positions.

The New York Times

He remained with the institute, in various positions, until his death.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She worked for the fashion house in various positions and as a fit model.

The New York Times

Before that, he served in various positions at Dell and McKinsey & Company.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in various positions", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to physical locations, job roles, or abstract viewpoints. This will enhance clarity and prevent misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "in various positions" when a more specific term would provide greater clarity. For instance, instead of saying someone worked "in various positions" at a company, specify the actual roles they held.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in various positions" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun. It indicates that something exists or occurs in multiple locations, roles, or states. As noted by Ludwig AI, it can refer to both physical and figurative "positions".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in various positions" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate diversity in location, role, or orientation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for diverse writing contexts. It is frequently encountered in "News & Media" and "Science", reflecting its broad utility in describing situations and phenomena across a wide spectrum. To enhance clarity, consider the context and whether a more specific phrase might be more appropriate. While versatile, overly broad usage can lead to vagueness. By using "in various positions" judiciously, you can effectively convey multiplicity and avoid unnecessary detail.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in different locations

Focuses on physical placement rather than roles or orientations.

in diverse roles

Specifically refers to job roles, losing the broader sense of physical or abstract positioning.

in multiple capacities

Highlights the different functions or duties, moving away from spatial arrangements.

in several arrangements

Implies a specific ordering or configuration, which may not always be present in the original phrase.

in differing orientations

Emphasizes the direction or alignment, suitable for physical objects or viewpoints.

at various stations

Suggests fixed locations or assignments, suitable for personnel or equipment.

in a range of poses

Applies specifically to bodily postures, such as in photography or yoga.

in assorted configurations

Indicates the arrangement of items or components, often with a technical connotation.

across a spectrum of placements

Broadens the meaning to encompass a wide array of placements or locations.

in numerous settings

Emphasizes the environmental context, shifting from physical positions to general environments.

FAQs

How can I use "in various positions" in a sentence?

You can use "in various positions" to describe physical locations, job roles, or abstract viewpoints. For example, "The dancers moved "in various positions" on the stage", "She served "in various positions" within the company", or "The committee members held differing opinions "in various positions" on the matter".

What are some alternatives to "in various positions"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "in different locations", "in diverse roles", or "in multiple capacities".

When is it appropriate to use "in various positions"?

It's appropriate when you want to convey that something or someone occupies or performs multiple roles, locations, or orientations without specifying each one individually. Make sure the context provides enough information for the reader to understand what kind of positions are being referred to.

What's the difference between "in various positions" and "in respective positions"?

"In various positions" implies a range of different roles or locations, while "in respective positions" suggests that each person or item has its own designated or appropriate place.