key position

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "key position" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a crucial or essential role or position within a company, organization, or team. example: "John was offered the key position of Chief Financial Officer, highlighting his valuable skills and experience in managing financial matters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Yosemite is a key position.

The New York Times

This makes tight end a key position.

The New York Times

They realize it's a very key position.

The New York Times

I'll take a year to fill a key position.

The New York Times

Neither wanted an independent person holding down such a key position.

The Guardian - Opinion

In 1983 Ryle was promoted to the key position of Principal Clerk of the Table Office.

Independent

Poor decision-making in a key position meant a lack of creativity for Ireland.

Independent

He was disappointed when he was not given a key position in the administration of Pres.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But that still left a space in the key position of point guard vacant.

Independent

But, with Davie struggling with his hamstring, it's a big position for us, it's a key position for us".

The Guardian - Sport

"It's a key position in special education and it's becoming more important all the time," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific writing, use it to denote the specific functional location of an atom, gene or protein residue that dictates behavior.

Common error

Do not use phrases like "most main key position" or "centrally key position". Since "key" already implies primary importance, adding further superlatives creates clutter without adding meaning.

Linguistic Context

In English grammar, "key position" functions as a noun phrase where "key" acts as an attributive adjective modifying the noun "position". According to Ludwig AI, it is used to denote a specific rank, job or physical location that is of paramount importance. It follows standard adjective-noun word order and can be preceded by various determiners or prepositions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "key position" is a versatile and indispensable term in the English language, used to highlight the essential nature of a specific role or location. Analysis from Ludwig AI shows that it is equally effective in business, sports, politics and the hard sciences. Whether you are discussing a job opening, a tactical placement on a field or a molecular structure, "key position" conveys a sense of authority and strategic importance. To avoid repetitive writing, consider using alternatives like "pivotal role" when focusing on action or "strategic post" for administrative contexts. Overall, it is a robust choice for any writer looking to emphasize significance within a system.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pivotal role

Focuses more on the impact of the person rather than the structural seat

strategic post

Implies a military or administrative placement with long-term importance

crucial spot

Slightly more informal, often used in sports or physical placements

essential function

Highlights the necessity of the duties involved

core office

Restricted to organizational or governmental contexts

vital seat

Often used metaphorically for positions in a committee or board

senior role

Specifies the level of authority within a hierarchy

cornerstone position

Emphasizes the foundational nature of the role

integral part

Describes how the position fits into a larger whole

leading capacity

Focuses on the leadership aspect of the placement

FAQs

How to use "key position" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a vital role in an organization, such as: "She was recently appointed to a "key position" within the marketing department."

What can I say instead of "key position"?

Depending on your context, you might use alternatives like "pivotal role", "strategic post" or "essential function".

Which is correct, "key position" or "key role"?

Both are correct, but they have slight nuances. A ""key position"" often refers to a specific slot in an organizational chart, while a "key role" describes the function or impact a person has regardless of their title.

Is "key position" formal enough for a resume?

Yes, it is highly appropriate for professional documents. It effectively communicates that a past role was a "significant assignment" with high responsibility.