taking the position

USAGE SUMMARY

"taking the position" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It typically refers to someone assuming or accepting a certain role, responsibility, or viewpoint. Example: After much deliberation, John announced that he would be taking the position of president at the company.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Upon taking the position, Cavallo acted quickly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Later taking the position of Managing Director of Metro.

The Guardian

They're taking the position of: 'We don't care.

The New York Times - Arts

That's why we're taking the position we are".

The New York Times

Since taking the position, Castro has overseen the facility's rapid transformation.

Princeton University

I think that was Tim taking the position of, "I'm not going to stop you.

The Guardian - Music

In the end, his motivation for taking the position is irrelevant".

The New York Times

Marburger was called a "prostitute" upon taking the position under Bush.

The Guardian

"There's a strong rationale for the government taking the position that it historically has," she said.

The New York Times

SBJ is taking the position that it is meeting another important need: housing for older residents.

The New York Times

It was disheartening". There were other signs that taking the position was a mistake.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To express a viewpoint or attitude, consider using "taking the position" to signal a deliberate adoption of a specific stance. For example, "He is taking the position that more funding is needed."

Common error

Avoid using "taking the position" when a simpler, more direct verb would suffice. Instead of "He is taking the position of manager", consider "He is becoming manager" for greater clarity and conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking the position" functions as a verbal phrase, often serving as part of a predicate to indicate the action of assuming a role, responsibility, or adopting a specific viewpoint. Ludwig confirms this versatile usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

17%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "taking the position" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase used to describe assuming a role, responsibility, or viewpoint. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is very common, frequently appearing in news and media, academic writing, and wiki sources. While "taking the position" is generally neutral, writers should consider the specific context and choose more precise alternatives, such as "assuming the role" or "adopting the stance", when appropriate. Avoid using it in place of simpler verbs for the sake of brevity and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assuming the role

Focuses on the act of adopting a specific function or capacity.

adopting the stance

Emphasizes the acceptance of a particular viewpoint or attitude.

assuming responsibility

Highlights the acceptance of duties or obligations.

taking on the job

Refers specifically to accepting employment or a task.

stepping into the position

Suggests a transition into a new role, often succeeding someone else.

embracing the viewpoint

Implies a wholehearted acceptance of a certain perspective.

accepting the nomination

Specifically refers to accepting a formal proposal for a role.

filling the post

Indicates occupying a specific official position.

occupying the seat

Emphasizes the physical or symbolic occupation of a position of authority.

inheriting the mantle

Suggests receiving a position of leadership, often with historical significance.

FAQs

How can I use "taking the position" in a sentence?

You can use "taking the position" to describe someone assuming a role, responsibility, or viewpoint. For example: "After careful consideration, she's "taking the position" of lead designer."

What are some alternatives to "taking the position"?

Some alternatives include "assuming the role", "adopting the stance", or "accepting the nomination", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "takes the position" instead of "taking the position"?

Yes, both are correct but have different meanings. "Takes the position" implies habitual or characteristic action, while "taking the position" refers to a specific instance of assuming a role or viewpoint.

When is it better to use "assuming the role" over "taking the position"?

"Assuming the role" is often preferred when emphasizing the act of stepping into or embracing a function or responsibility, while "taking the position" is a more general term applicable to both roles and viewpoints. "Assuming the role" often suggest a transition or a succession.