starting position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "starting position" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to the initial location or placement of something or someone, and can be used in a variety of contexts. Example 1: "The runners lined up in their starting positions, ready to begin the race." Example 2: "The chess player carefully considered their opponent's moves before deciding to move their knight to a more advantageous starting position." Example 3: "The new employee was eager to prove themselves and quickly advanced from an entry-level starting position to a higher role in the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That was the starting position".

The New York Times - Arts

Remember the starting position.

Yale University

He never relinquished the starting position.

The New York Times - Sports

The starting position is it looks very attractive.

Yale University

Slowly lower the leg, returning to the starting position.

Harvard University

Hold, then slowly lower your knee to the starting position.

Harvard University

This is the starting position for the destroyer battleship.

Cornell University

Germany is in a good starting position, though.

Yale University

Release your abdominal muscles and return to the starting position.

Harvard University

Slowly lower the dumbbells back to the starting position.

Harvard University

This is the starting position of the carrier battleship.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "starting position" to set the stage for a narrative or explanation, ensuring clarity and preventing confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "starting position" when "starting point" is more appropriate. "Starting position" typically refers to a physical location, while "starting point" can be more abstract.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "starting position" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It denotes the initial location, arrangement, or condition from which something begins, as demonstrated by Ludwig AI's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

32%

News & Media

28%

Wiki

22%

Less common in

Science

18%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "starting position" is a very common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to denote an initial location, arrangement, or state. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves to establish a clear reference point for understanding subsequent events or processes. Its register is generally neutral, though its formality can be adjusted based on context. It appears frequently in academic, news, and wiki contexts, indicating broad applicability. When using this phrase, be mindful of its physical connotation and consider alternatives like "starting point" for more abstract situations. In conclusion, "starting position" is a valuable tool for ensuring clarity and precision in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

original location

Synonymous, but suggests the place something was at the very beginning.

initial placement

Specifically describes the act of putting something in its first location.

initial state

Focuses on the condition at the beginning, rather than the physical location.

point of origin

Emphasizes the beginning or source from which something originates.

launching point

Implies a beginning that leads to further action or development.

takeoff point

Similar to launching point, but suggests a more immediate beginning.

entry point

Highlights the place where something enters a process or system.

set-up

Implies the arrangement of something at the start of a process

ground zero

Suggests the absolute beginning, often in the context of a reset or fresh start.

baseline condition

Refers to the initial state used as a reference for comparison.

FAQs

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

You can use "starting position" to describe the initial placement of an object, a person, or a concept. For example, "The athlete assumed their starting position before the race." or "The "starting position" for our negotiation is a point of mutual agreement."

What are some alternatives to "starting position"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "initial state", "point of origin", or "original location".

Is it correct to use "beginning position" instead of "starting position"?

While "beginning position" is understandable, "starting position" is the more common and natural-sounding phrase, especially in contexts involving physical placement or procedures. They are largely interchangeable, but use "starting position" for greater clarity.

What's the difference between "starting position" and "starting point"?

"Starting position" typically refers to a physical location or arrangement, whereas "starting point" is often used in a more abstract sense, such as the beginning of a discussion or a project.