position of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "position of" is both correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the situation of something, either physical or metaphorical, in regard to its environment or context. For example, "The position of the sun in the sky was ideal for the outdoor picnic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a position of leadership.

The New York Times - Sports

Talk from a position of strength.

The New York Times

The position of presiding justice is prestigious.

The New York Times

"That's the position of the industry.

The New York Times - Sports

It starts from a position of negation.

The New York Times

The parlous position of news brands remains.

Independent

Neither starts from a position of strength.

The New York Times

Denver was in a position of weakness.

The New York Times

Alfonso relished his position of authority.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They noted the position of the crosshairs.

The New York Times - Sports

This is the position of "first lady".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts, consider stronger verbs or more descriptive nouns to replace generic uses of "position", enhancing clarity and impact. For example, instead of "the position of leadership", try "a leadership role" or "a commanding position".

Common error

Avoid using "position of" in sentences where the meaning is unclear or overly abstract. Ensure the noun following "of" is specific and provides concrete context; otherwise, rephrase for clarity. For example, avoid saying "the position of things" and instead state "the arrangement of items" or "the location of objects".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "position of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often used to specify the spatial, hierarchical, or abstract placement of something. It connects a noun to its context, as shown in Ludwig's examples like "position of authority" or "position of weakness".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "position of" is a versatile prepositional phrase that effectively communicates the placement, state, or status of a subject. As supported by Ludwig, it finds frequent use in contexts ranging from news and media to scientific and encyclopedic writing. While grammatically sound, it's essential to ensure that its use is precise and avoids vagueness by clearly defining the noun it modifies. By considering synonyms and the context, one can ensure the most effective and clear communication. Its frequent use and recognition in Ludwig AI confirm its validity and usefulness in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

location of

Focuses specifically on physical placement or geographical coordinates.

situation of

Highlights the circumstances or state surrounding something.

stance on

Emphasizes a particular opinion or viewpoint regarding a subject.

role within

Perseveres a function or part played in a specific context.

status among

Refers to the relative rank or standing in a group or system.

perspective regarding

Highlights an individual's view of a particular subject.

viewpoint on

Similar to perspective, but could imply a more formal or structured opinion.

posture about

Suggests a physical or attitudinal position taken in relation to something.

disposition concerning

Emphasizes inclination and attitude toward a certain thing.

orientation toward

Highlights direction, alignment, or inclination in relation to a subject.

FAQs

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

Use "position of" to indicate the location, stance, or status of something. For example, "The "position of the sun" affected the plant's growth" or "His "position of power" allowed him to make significant changes".

What are some alternatives to "position of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "location of", "situation of", or "stance on" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it always necessary to use "position of" or can I sometimes omit "of"?

In most cases, the "of" is necessary for grammatical correctness. Omitting it can change the meaning or create an ungrammatical sentence. For example, "leadership position" is acceptable, but it has a slightly different meaning than "position of leadership".

What's the difference between "position of authority" and ""position of power""?

While similar, "position of authority" typically implies a formal or recognized right to give commands, whereas ""position of power"" can refer to influence or control, regardless of formal status.