secure a position on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "secure a position on" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to obtaining a job or role within an organization or group. Example: "She worked hard to secure a position on the research team." Alternative expressions include "obtain a position in" and "land a role in."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

SAN FRANCISCO, March 26 — Yahoo is moving to secure a position on the next Internet battleground: Web search and advertising on cellphones.

The New York Times - Tech

"I thought if I could get a job on campus, I could somehow secure a position on the mission," he says.

Science Magazine

New Yawker was heavily sent last out to secure a position on the lead from the outside post.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

His best chance of securing a position on the ballot, he said, remained in the Independence Party primary.

The New York Times

In 1980, at age 22, he secured a position on the U.S. Olympic team by placing third in the U.S. national championships.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He shortly secured a position on the powerful Supreme Privy Council and arranged the betrothal of the young tsar to his niece, Yekaterina Alekseyevna.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Most notoriously, in March, 2010, he secured a position on the powerful Council of Lombardy for Nicole Minetti, a former dancer on the show "Colorado Café," who is now charged with providing him with prostitutes.

The New Yorker

Securing a position on entry as janitor, he was hired while still a student to teach.

Wikipedia

Facing an uncertain and lonely future in France, my father secured a position on a ship leaving for Canada.

Huffington Post

He secured a position on the staff of the college newspaper, the Geyser, and began writing political columns defending Democratic policies.

Wikipedia

The point is to secure a position early on.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "secure a position on" when emphasizing the active effort to obtain a specific role or placement within a team, project, or organization.

Common error

Avoid using "secure a position on" in very casual conversation. Simpler phrases like "get on" or "join" may be more appropriate for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "secure a position on" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of successfully obtaining or guaranteeing a role or place within a particular group or project. It is generally used to describe a deliberate and often competitive process of achieving a desired placement, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Wiki

24%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "secure a position on" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for describing the successful attainment of a specific role or placement. Ludwig's analysis reveals that it's most frequently encountered in News & Media and Wiki sources, with a neutral to formal register. While versatile, it's advisable to avoid using it in very casual contexts where simpler alternatives may be more suitable. Ludwig AI confirms that it is acceptable in written English. Related phrases like "obtain a role in" or "gain a spot on" provide alternative ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obtain a role in

Replaces "secure" with "obtain" and "position" with "role", emphasizing the act of gaining a specific role.

achieve a position on

Suggests the position was attained through effort.

gain a spot on

Substitutes "secure" with "gain" and "position" with "spot", suggesting a competitive process.

earn a position on

Highlights the effort required to get the position.

procure a position on

Formal alternative, emphasizing the act of acquiring with effort.

win a place on

Emphasizes the competitive aspect of securing a position, using "win" instead of "secure".

guarantee a place on

Focuses on ensuring a spot is secured.

land a spot on

Uses the informal "land" instead of "secure", making it sound easier.

book a spot on

Suggests something that you book in advance.

get a foothold in

Implies gaining initial, possibly precarious entry.

FAQs

How can I use "secure a position on" in a sentence?

You can use "secure a position on" to describe obtaining a role. For example, "She worked hard to "secure a position on" the board of directors."

What can I say instead of "secure a position on"?

Alternatives include "obtain a role in", "gain a spot on", or "win a place on", depending on the context.

Is "secure a position on" formal or informal?

"Secure a position on" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for professional or academic contexts. In casual settings, simpler alternatives like "get on" or "join" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "secure a position on" and "apply for a position on"?

"Apply for a position on" refers to the act of submitting an application, while "secure a position on" implies successfully obtaining the position. You apply first, and then, hopefully, you "secure a position on".