it is in a position to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is in a position to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone or something has the capability or authority to do something. Example: "The company is in a position to expand its operations into new markets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

It is in a position to make a positive contribution to state coffers.

The Guardian - Opinion

Continuum, which is nonprofit, is financially in the black, officials said, and its leadership believes it is in a position to negotiate for the best deal.

The New York Times

Difficult and complicated as it may be for the court to reverse its 2013 ruling, it is in a position to rewrite the history of homosexuality in India.

Huffington Post

"Google has a long way to go before it becomes a nationwide ISP but clearly it feels that the Kansas experiment was a success and it is in a position to cherry-pick its locations," he said.

BBC

And while it is in a position to do so militarily, it may come at a heavy cost.

The New Yorker

First Book argues that it is in a position to cater to that larger market and make it a force.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

He's in a position to know.

Forbes

He is in a position of power.

Wikipedia

He was in a position of trust.

Los Angeles Times

But she is in a tenuous position.

The New York Times - Sports

Hewlett-Packard is in a similar position.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is in a position to", ensure that the subject performing the action is clearly defined and that the subsequent action is logically connected.

Common error

While grammatically correct, excessively using "it is in a position to" can make your writing sound verbose. Consider using more direct verbs to express capability and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is in a position to" functions as a modal expression indicating capability, readiness, or opportunity. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable nature, showcasing its role in expressing that a subject has the necessary circumstances or abilities to perform a certain action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is in a position to" is a versatile phrase used to express capability or readiness, as confirmed by Ludwig. While grammatically sound and common across various domains, including news, science, and formal communications, it's crucial to use it judiciously to avoid verbose writing. Consider simpler alternatives like "it is able to" or "it can" depending on the context to maintain clarity and conciseness. The phrase holds a neutral to professional register, making it suitable for diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is able to

This alternative is more concise, replacing the phrase with a simpler expression of capability.

it has the capacity to

This alternative emphasizes potential and inherent ability.

it is capable of

This alternative focuses on the inherent ability to perform a specific action.

it is equipped to

This alternative suggests preparedness and the necessary resources for a task.

it is poised to

This alternative indicates readiness and anticipation for an upcoming action or event.

it is entitled to

This alternative suggests a right or qualification to do something.

it is authorized to

This alternative emphasizes official permission or mandate.

it is situated to

This alternative describes a favorable location or circumstance that enables action.

it can

This alternative is a short and simple expression of possibility and capability.

it is so placed that it can

This alternative elaborates on the positioning and resulting ability of the subject.

FAQs

How can I use "it is in a position to" in a sentence?

Use "it is in a position to" to indicate that something or someone has the capability or authority to do something. For example: "The company "is in a position to" expand its operations."

What can I say instead of "it is in a position to"?

You can use alternatives like "it is able to", "it has the capacity to", or "it is capable of" depending on the context.

Is "it is in a position to" formal or informal?

"It is in a position to" is generally considered a formal phrase. In more informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "it can" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "it is in a position to" and "it is able to"?

While both phrases express capability, "it is in a position to" often implies a more strategic or advantageous circumstance, whereas "it is able to" is a more general statement of ability.