sense of position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sense of position" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's awareness or understanding of their location or status in a particular context, such as in a physical space or within a hierarchy. Example: "In the meeting, she demonstrated a strong sense of position, clearly articulating her role and responsibilities within the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"Lacey had an extraordinary sense of position: who was above her, who was below her".

The New York Times - Books

The Van Gaal way has always been to keep a structured sense of position.

The Guardian - Sport

Fletcher has never been blessed with stunning pace but he retains a wonderful touch and sense of position.

The Guardian - Sport

Your balance center receives three inputs: visual input; the sense of position, called proprioception; and input from the inner ear, which measures acceleration and movement, Dr. Stewart said.

The New York Times

These are people "who are not finding it so comfortable to suddenly find the world changed, their world, their sense of place, their sense of position in society".

The New York Times

She played her sense of position over her sense of responsibility, her sense of power over her sense of humanity; she realizes it, and she realizes that this seemingly trivial moment, which proved to be a major moral failing, exemplifies the moral failure of her entire life.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Not the quickest player on the field, but seemed to have a good sense of positioning, holding his ground and anticipating.

The New York Times

"Mario Götze has an exceptionally good sense of positioning on the field that, even when he's cornered, he finds a solution".

The New York Times - Sports

The likes of Brian O'Driscoll, Will Carling and Chris Ashton have all raised doubts, centring on Burgess's selection as a centre when he has played for Bath mostly in the back-row as well as his sense of positioning on the field.

The Guardian - Sport

How much social mobility was happening became perhaps over-rated, he reckons, but there was a clear sense of positions of power and influence opening up as never before.

The Guardian

He has no sense of positioning, of composition, of rhythm, but he's not free with his camera, either; his actors are more or less in a constant proscenium of a frame that displays their action without offering a point of view.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical capabilities or neurological function, use "sense of position" to refer to proprioception, the body's ability to perceive its location in space.

Common error

Avoid using "sense of position" when you actually mean social standing or status. While related, "sense of position" often refers to a deeper understanding of roles or physical placement, not just hierarchical rank.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sense of position" is that of a noun phrase. It acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, denoting an awareness or understanding of placement, status, or role. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and frequently used expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

31%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sense of position" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes an awareness or understanding of one's location or status. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and versatile, appearing in various contexts from news to scientific literature. While generally neutral in tone, its precise meaning can vary depending on the situation. It's essential to consider alternatives like "awareness of location" or "understanding of status" to ensure accuracy. Be mindful not to confuse "sense of position" with mere social standing, as it often implies a deeper, more nuanced comprehension of roles or physical placement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

awareness of location

Focuses on the conscious understanding of one's physical place or coordinates.

sense of placement

Emphasizes the feeling or awareness of being located in a specific spot or arrangement.

understanding of status

Emphasizes comprehension regarding one's standing or rank within a system.

sense of orientation

Highlights one's awareness of themselves in relation to their environment.

perception of placement

Highlights the mental interpretation of where something or someone is situated.

understanding of role

Focuses on comprehension of one's function or part in a particular situation or organization.

knowledge of bearing

Highlights the understanding of direction or orientation in relation to one's surroundings.

grasp of bearings

Refers to a clear comprehension of one's direction and location, often in a navigational sense.

feeling of belonging

Indicates an emotional connection to a place or group, influencing one's perceived place.

appreciation of importance

Shifts the focus to recognizing the significance of one's role or function within a context.

FAQs

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

You can use "sense of position" to describe someone's understanding of their physical location, their role in a social setting, or even a company's strategic advantage in the market. For example: "The athlete has an excellent "sense of position" on the field."

What is a good substitute for "sense of position"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "awareness of location", "understanding of status", or "perception of placement".

Is "sense of positioning" the same as "sense of position"?

While similar, "sense of positioning" often refers to strategic placement or marketing tactics, whereas "sense of position" can have a broader meaning, including physical or social awareness.

In what contexts is "sense of position" most commonly used?

"Sense of position" is frequently used in discussions about sports, social dynamics, neurology, and even business strategy. It emphasizes an understanding of where something or someone is located relative to other things.