run for a position

USAGE SUMMARY

"run for a position" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrasal verb that usually means to formally enter a competition or election for a job, title, or other position. Example: He has decided to run for mayor in the upcoming election.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

He filed paperwork on Tuesday indicating his intention to run for a position which is often a popular stepping stone to higher posts.

The Guardian

Linda E. McMahon, a former wrestling executive, easily captured Connecticut's Republican Senate primary on Tuesday night, clinching a second chance to run for a position she failed to win two years ago.

The New York Times

If you want to have a more significant impact on where you live, volunteer to run for a position on the board at your next election.

Los Angeles Times

You don't run for a position such as President -- you run for the Board: It's often an automatic response for a homeowner to plan to run for President of the Board.

Huffington Post

Jackson's wife wanted him to run for the 2nd District Congressional seat in the 1996 primary election, while his father wanted him to run for a position as an alderman or for the Illinois General Assembly.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The President also serves as the Elections Chair unless he or she is running for a position, in which case the Vice President will preside.

Yale University

QA residential broker who is very active representing sellers and buyers in our co-op is running for a position on the board of directors.

The New York Times

Most commonly, Mr. Greenstein said, individuals interested in running for a position on the board are nominated from the floor at the annual meeting.

The New York Times

(Mr. Romney's political action committee donated $25,000 to the state party during Mr. Sununu's tenure, and sent a check to his son, Christopher T. Sununu, who was running for a position on the state's executive council).

The New York Times

And, however briefly, Mr. Weprin was able to draw his cautious rivals into his fight, injecting a few moments of excitement into a staid race among candidates with little name recognition, running for a position that many voters hardly understand.

The New York Times

He first ran for a position on SAG's national board earlier this decade, and was elected president of the guild in 2005, narrowly defeating a more moderate candidate, the actress Morgan Fairchild.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "run for a position", clearly specify the position being sought to avoid ambiguity. For instance, say "run for a position on the board" instead of just "run for a position".

Common error

Avoid using "run for a position" without specifying the exact title or office. This can create confusion and weaken your message. Instead of saying "He decided to run for a position", specify "He decided to run for mayor".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "run for a position" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating the action of campaigning or competing for an official title or role. As indicated by Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used to describe the act of seeking a specific job or duty through an election or selection process.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "run for a position" describes the act of campaigning or competing for a job, role, or title, often through an election or selection process. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media, and academic contexts, and maintains a neutral tone, according to the analyzed sources. When using this phrase, remember to specify the role being sought. Alternatives such as "compete for office" or "seek a post" can add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seek a post

Emphasizes the desire to obtain a specific job or office.

compete for office

Highlights the competitive aspect of trying to win an election.

campaign for a seat

Focuses on the active process of promoting oneself to gain a position.

vie for a spot

Implies a struggle or rivalry for a limited number of opportunities.

put oneself forward for election

A more formal way of saying to offer yourself as a candidate.

stand as a candidate

Refers to the act of presenting oneself as an option for voters.

throw one's hat in the ring

An idiomatic expression meaning to announce one's candidacy.

nominate oneself for a position

Highlights the formal act of self-nomination.

enter the race for

Emphasizes the competitive nature of seeking a position, framing it as a contest.

aspire to an office

Focuses on the ambition and desire to hold a particular position.

FAQs

How is "run for a position" used in a sentence?

The phrase "run for a position" means to campaign or compete in an election for a specific role. For example: "She decided to run for a position on the school board".

What's a synonym for "run for a position"?

Alternatives to "run for a position" include phrases like "compete for office", "campaign for a seat", or "seek a post", each carrying slightly different connotations.

Is it better to say "run for a position" or "run for office"?

While both are correct, "run for office" typically refers to a more formal or governmental role, while "run for a position" can apply to any role within an organization or group.

What does it mean to "throw your hat in the ring"?

"Throw your hat in the ring" is an idiom similar to "run for a position", meaning to announce your candidacy for an election or competition. It's often used when someone enters a race that already has established candidates.