occupies

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "occupies" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a verb that means to take up (space or time), to control, or to fill (a post, position, or office). Example sentence: The agent occupies an important position in the company.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Paul Stokes, associate editor of NME, said the lineup proved "the unique place Glastonbury occupies in not only the hearts of the British festival-going public, but also the world's most influential music artists".

The Guardian - Music

His early role in what would become Isis led naturally to the senior position he now occupies within a revitalised insurgency that has spilled across the border into Syria.

The Guardian

Following the Stella win, however, she notes that her bookshelf activism is no longer necessary, as the work now occupies a new table, "Prizewinners, alongside Eleanor's The Luminaries".

The Guardian - Books

Very cool and very classy, this apartment occupies the entire first floor of an elegant French-style embassy building from the 1920s, which has been transformed into one of the most stylish places to stay in the city by its owner, a Milan-based interior designer.

The Guardian - Travel

As a director, senior executive and major shareholder of Sports Direct, he occupies a position of unique influence in the organisation.

The Guardian - Business

It occupies just one room but oozes love and pride in its exhibits.

The Guardian - Travel

For Scottish people of my generation (roughly the same age as Prentice), it occupies a poignant place in space and time.

The Guardian - Books

A €53.4m arena, Espanyol's new home occupies 81,163 square metres, has 40,500 seats breathing down the players' necks, solar panels on the roof, and even a cemetery for pericos who have passed away.

The Guardian - Sport

It occupies a central place in Russian history and has been mentioned in classic works of literature, including several novels by Leo Tolstoy.

The Guardian

Last month the PSBs used Digital UK to publish a 77-page report warning the government and Ofcom about the dangers of potentially shifting digital terrestrial television from the spectrum it occupies to give more space for mobile operators.

The Guardian

This is indeed how generations of Parisians have seen La Santé and why it occupies such an important place in the cultural history of the city and is deeply inscribed into the city's folklore.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "occupies", ensure the subject clearly indicates what is being taken up, whether it's a physical space, a position, or time. Consider the context to choose the most precise verb for your intended meaning.

Common error

While "occupies" is versatile, avoid overusing it in formal writing when simpler verbs like "is in" or "has" would be more concise and natural. Ensure its use adds specific meaning.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "occupies" is as a verb, specifically the third-person singular present tense form. It describes an action or state of taking up space or a position. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "occupies" is a versatile verb that signifies taking up space, holding a position, or engaging attention. As evidenced by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and frequently employed across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that the term is suitable for professional and formal communications, although simpler alternatives may sometimes be more appropriate for conciseness. Its prevalence in reputable news sources like The Guardian and The Economist underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance in contemporary English usage. Therefore, understanding the nuances of "occupies" is essential for effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

holds

Replaces "occupies" with a more general term for possessing or having a position.

fills

Focuses on the aspect of taking up space or a role, often emphasizing completeness.

takes up

Emphasizes the action of occupying space or time.

engages

Highlights the aspect of capturing attention or interest.

resides in

Indicates a more permanent or established presence.

controls

Focuses on the aspect of having authority or command over a space or position.

is stationed at

Implies a specific placement or assignment to a location.

is located in

Indicates the physical placement or geographical position.

exercises

Suggests the active use or exertion of power or influence.

takes possession of

Emphasizes the act of acquiring or seizing control.

FAQs

How to use "occupies" in a sentence?

The word "occupies" is a verb used to describe something that takes up space, a position, or time. For example, "The building occupies a large area" or "He occupies a senior role in the company".

What can I say instead of "occupies"?

You can use alternatives like "holds", "fills", or "takes up" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "occupies" or "is occupying"?

Both "occupies" and "is occupying" can be correct, depending on the intended tense. "Occupies" is simple present tense, while "is occupying" is present continuous, indicating an ongoing action.

What's the difference between "occupies" and "covers"?

"Occupies" refers to taking up space or holding a position, while "covers" refers to extending over an area or dealing with a subject. For instance, a building "occupies" land, while a book "covers" a topic.