station themselves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "station themselves" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of positioning oneself in a specific location or preparing for a particular action or event. Example: "The soldiers were instructed to station themselves at the designated lookout points."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Boats station themselves above the whales, the minkes surface and quickly die.

The Economist

Ticks station themselves on vegetation such as tall grasses and assume a sit-and-wait position.

The Washington Post

A couple of guards with rifles station themselves on rooftops to provide covering fire if necessary.

The Guardian

In sustained moments of quiet the performers station themselves boldly before the audience.

The New York Times - Arts

The decoys, who are volunteers, station themselves around the city and note whether the official counters come by.

The New York Times

After their entrance with a large group of male and female dancers, the corn dance singers station themselves in an arc near the drummers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Nonetheless, Indian stations themselves continue to grow.

The New York Times - Arts

Those stations themselves receive $90 million in federal funds each year.

The New York Times

Few stations themselves suffered such devastation, Mr. Jezycki.

The New York Times

Crime increases even in the police stations themselves.

The New York Times

The stations themselves were also painted a garish sky blue.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "station themselves" when you want to emphasize a deliberate act of positioning for a specific purpose, often in anticipation of an event or task. For example, "The guards station themselves at the entrances before the event starts."

Common error

Avoid using "station themselves" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "stand" or "sit" would be more appropriate. Using a more formal term in such contexts can sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "station themselves" functions as a reflexive verb phrase, indicating that a group or individuals are deliberately placing themselves in a particular location. It suggests a planned action and is often used in contexts where their position is strategic or serves a specific purpose, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

12%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "station themselves" is a grammatically correct and frequently used reflexive verb phrase that describes the act of deliberately positioning oneself or a group in a specific location, as supported by Ludwig AI. It is most commonly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Academia contexts, maintaining a neutral register. While effective for formal and professional writing, simpler alternatives may be preferable in casual conversation. Understanding its function and purpose allows for precise and appropriate use in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

position themselves

Uses a more general verb, "position", instead of the more specific "station".

place themselves

Similar to "position themselves", but emphasizes the act of putting oneself in a location.

post themselves

Similar to "station", often used in military or security contexts.

take up position

Emphasizes the act of assuming a specific stance or location for a purpose.

set themselves up

Implies preparation and readiness in a specific location.

situate themselves

A more formal alternative to "place themselves".

install themselves

Suggests a more permanent or established positioning.

locate themselves

Implies finding and occupying a specific spot.

establish themselves

Indicates setting up a base or gaining recognition in a location.

arrange themselves

Focuses on the manner in which individuals organize their placement.

FAQs

How can I use "station themselves" in a sentence?

The phrase "station themselves" is used to describe the act of positioning oneself in a specific location, often in preparation for something. For example, "The police "stationed themselves" near the protest."

What are some alternatives to "station themselves"?

You can use alternatives like "position themselves", "place themselves", or "set themselves up" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "station themselves" in formal writing?

Yes, "station themselves" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing a deliberate or strategic positioning. However, ensure it fits the overall tone and register of your piece.

What is the difference between "station themselves" and "position themselves"?

"Station themselves" often implies a more specific or official placement, while "position themselves" is a more general term for taking up a location.