obtained a position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obtained a position" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone who has successfully secured a job or role within an organization. Example: "After several interviews, she finally obtained a position at the prestigious law firm."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

In 1837 she made her way to Lowell and obtained a position in a textile mill.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In 1876 he obtained a position with Harvard University, where he taught until 1912.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He later obtained a position as a lay clerk in Manchester cathedral choir, where he stayed for the next 35 years.

The Guardian - Music

Becker obtained a position with the survey and began a study of mining districts on the West Coast.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After studying theory and organ music, Pepusch at age 14 obtained a position at the Prussian court; he remained there until 1697.

Britannica

Joyce obtained a position in the Berlitz School at Pola in Austria-Hungary (now Pula, Croatia), working in his spare time at his novel and short stories.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

obtain a position in which his capabilities could be suitably employed.

Princeton University

At this time Cibber entered upon a series of complex intrigues to obtain a position in theatre management.

Britannica

It was not until 2007 that Acosta took any action to prevent Schlozman from obtaining a position of power.

The Guardian

If you don't have a full fellowship package, consider obtaining a position as a GSI, GSR, or Reader.

University of California, Berkeley

About this time Johnson tried again to obtain a position as a schoolteacher.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing career advancements, use "obtained a position" to convey professionalism and success in securing a role.

Common error

Avoid passive constructions like "a position was obtained by him" which can sound awkward. Instead, use the active voice: "he obtained a position."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obtained a position" functions as a verb phrase indicating the successful acquisition of employment or a specific role. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in describing professional achievements and career advancements. Ludwig AI confirms that it's considered appropriate in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

20%

News & Media

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

16%

Wiki

16%

Formal & Business

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "obtained a position" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe the successful acquisition of a job or role. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for written English and conveys professionalism. It's frequently found in encyclopedias, news articles, and scientific publications. When writing, avoid passive voice constructions and consider using alternatives like "secured a job" or "landed a role" depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

secured a job

Replaces "obtained" with "secured" and "position" with "job", emphasizing the successful acquisition of employment.

landed a role

Uses more informal terms like "landed" and "role", suggesting a successful attainment of a specific function or part.

acquired employment

Replaces "obtained" with "acquired" and "position" with the more formal term "employment", indicating gaining work.

gained a post

Substitutes "obtained" with "gained" and "position" with "post", implying winning a job or assignment.

assumed a position

Focuses on the act of taking on a role rather than getting it, changing the emphasis slightly.

was appointed to a position

Highlights the act of being formally selected or designated for the role.

got a job

Uses simpler and more direct language, suitable for informal contexts.

received an appointment

Emphasizes the formal reception of a role or assignment, rather than the act of getting it.

found employment

Indicates the discovery and securing of work or a job.

accepted a job offer

Highlights the act of agreeing to a formal proposal of employment.

FAQs

How can I use "obtained a position" in a sentence?

Use "obtained a position" to describe someone successfully securing a job or role. For example, "After years of hard work, she "obtained a position" at the company."

What are some alternatives to "obtained a position"?

You can use alternatives such as "secured a job", "landed a role", or "acquired employment" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "obtained a position" or "got a job"?

"Obtained a position" is generally considered more formal than "got a job". Use "obtained a position" in professional or formal settings.

What's the difference between "obtained a position" and "assumed a position"?

"Obtained a position" implies the process of acquiring or being selected for a role, while "assumed a position" focuses on the act of taking on or starting the role, regardless of how it was acquired.