not in a position to comment

USAGE SUMMARY

"not in a position to comment" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you do not have enough information or do not feel comfortable expressing an opinion. For example, you can say: "I'm sorry, but I'm not in a position to comment on that issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hence, not in a position to comment.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

We're not in a position to comment on anything else".

The New York Times - Sports

However, we are not in a position to comment".

The New York Times

We are not in a position to comment on news reports.

The New York Times - Sports

"However, we are not in a position to comment on matters of national security".

The New York Times

"We are not in a position to comment further at this stage," added the BIS spokeswoman.

The Guardian - Business

As the proceedings are ongoing, we are not in a position to comment further.

The Guardian - Sport

DFID said it was not in a position to comment on Kerry Town.

The Guardian

Beyond that, I'm not in a position to comment publicly on every specific alleged intelligence activity".

The Guardian

Until it is completed, we are not in a position to comment, and neither are they".

The New York Times

A spokesman for Fincham said: "He is not in a position to comment".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, consider briefly explaining why you're unable to comment (e.g., "due to ongoing legal proceedings" or "because the matter is still under review").

Common error

Don't use "not in a position to comment" as a way to avoid answering legitimate questions or providing any information at all. If possible, offer some context or direct the inquirer to someone who can provide more details.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not in a position to comment" functions as a declarative statement used to express an inability or unwillingness to provide an opinion, information, or statement on a particular matter. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, often employed when lacking sufficient knowledge or feeling uncomfortable expressing an opinion. The phrase serves to politely decline to offer insight.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not in a position to comment" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression for politely declining to provide information or an opinion, especially when lacking sufficient knowledge or facing constraints. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase. Its frequent use in news and media contexts indicates a professional and cautious tone. When using this phrase, clarity is key: briefly explaining the reason for declining can prevent misunderstandings. Alternatives such as "unable to comment" or "no comment" may be suitable depending on the level of formality required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unable to comment

Focuses on the inability to comment due to lack of knowledge or access to information.

cannot provide comment

Emphasizes the prohibition or restriction on offering an opinion.

declining to comment

Highlights a conscious decision to withhold a statement.

no comment

A shorter, more direct refusal to provide information or an opinion.

not at liberty to say

Suggests a restriction preventing one from sharing information.

unable to disclose

Emphasizes the inability to reveal certain details.

cannot divulge information

Similar to "unable to disclose", highlighting confidentiality.

refraining from commenting

Suggests a deliberate choice to avoid making a statement.

withholding comment

Emphasizes the act of keeping information or an opinion private.

not authorized to speak on this matter

Indicates lack of official permission to discuss a specific topic.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to say "not in a position to comment"?

It's appropriate to use "not in a position to comment" when you lack sufficient information, expertise, or authorization to provide a meaningful or accurate response. It can also be used when commenting would be inappropriate due to confidentiality or legal reasons.

What are some alternative ways to say "not in a position to comment"?

You can use alternatives like "unable to comment", "declining to comment", or "no comment" depending on the context.

Is "not in a position to comment" a formal or informal expression?

"Not in a position to comment" is generally considered a neutral to formal expression suitable for professional or public settings. Shorter versions like "no comment" are more informal.

How can I use "not in a position to comment" without sounding evasive?

To avoid sounding evasive, briefly explain why you're "unable to comment". For example, you might say, "I'm not in a position to comment due to ongoing investigations" or "because this matter is confidential".