the very position

USAGE SUMMARY

"the very position" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to refer to a literal physical position or a figurative position in a hierarchy/ranking. Example: "He was always striving to reach the very position of power he had seen his father occupy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The German Government regards the organization as a business, not a tax-exempt religion, the very position maintained for 25 years by the American Government.

The New York Times

Does the administration really think that the very position it advanced just months ago is so untenable that it must now adopt one that is even more extreme?

The New York Times

Video has assumed the very position into which it forced painting in the late 1980's: it is now one among many means of expression.

The New York Times - Arts

The German Government responded that Scientology was not a church worthy of tax exemption, but a commercial enterprise -- the very position the I.R.S. had maintained in its 25-year war against the church.

The New York Times

Her husband, Bill, will most likely be by her side and on her agenda will be an unequivocal commitment to gay marriage – the very institution he marginalised when he held the very position she now seeks.

The Guardian - Opinion

What's more, even his ardent supporters admit he's physically incompetent at the very position he's supposed to be playing — his throwing motion is awkward, his passes are wobbly — yet, they argue, he seems to possess some higher talent, the oft-cited but ephemeral "intangibles".

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"The very positioning of Bonsucro as a mainstream initiative I think established it as looking for minimum requirements rather than cutting edge or leading requirements", he says.

The Guardian

But they will be hamstrung from the outset if she does not consider carefully how other policies can contribute directly to that cause of her visceral anger: the very positions of power that some chose to abuse.

The Guardian

It's not due to a lack of workers aspiring for better jobs, but a lack of workers qualified for the very positions employers need filled.

Forbes

He was attacked for some of the very positions that endear him to many Republican voters.

Huffington Post

When thinking of best practices for videography, I believe that simple aim stands at the center: To place the narrator in the very best position to represent themselves.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the very position" to emphasize a specific location, viewpoint, or situation, lending a sense of precision or importance to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "the very position" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "that place" or "that spot" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the very position" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun (position) to specify a particular location, stance, or situation. Ludwig AI validates its correct and usable presence in written English. It serves to emphasize the specificity or importance of the noun it modifies.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

31%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the very position" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that functions as a determiner phrase to emphasize a particular location, stance, or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in various writing contexts. While it appears most frequently in news and media and scientific articles, it can also be found in academic writing. To enhance your writing, use "the very position" to add emphasis to a specific point, but avoid overusing it in casual conversation. Consider alternatives such as "that specific location" or "the exact location" for variety. With these insights, you can effectively use "the very position" to improve the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the actual stance

Replaces 'position' with 'stance', referring to an opinion or viewpoint.

the precise viewpoint

Emphasizes a perspective or opinion, not necessarily a physical place.

the exact location

Highlights the precise location, removing the nuance of figurative positioning.

that definitive attitude

Uses 'attitude' to focus on a mental state or disposition instead of a physical or figurative place.

that specific location

Focuses on the specific place, shifting from a general position to a concrete location.

that particular spot

Replaces position with 'spot', suggesting a more casual or physical location.

that precise point

Emphasizes accuracy and exactness, rather than a broader area.

the ultimate ranking

Highlights the final standing or order, shifting the focus to a competitive context.

that identical place

Stresses sameness and duplication, differing from a unique position.

that supreme status

Emphasizes the highest level of importance or authority, altering the general sense of 'position'.

FAQs

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

You can use "the very position" to emphasize a particular location, such as, "The treasure was buried in the very position marked on the map." It can also refer to a viewpoint or status.

What can I say instead of "the very position"?

You can use alternatives like "that specific location", "the exact location", or "the actual stance" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "the very position" or "that position"?

Both "the very position" and "that position" are grammatically correct, but "the very position" emphasizes the specificity or importance of the location or viewpoint more strongly.

When should I use "the very position" in writing?

Use "the very position" when you want to draw attention to the specific location, stance, or status being discussed, adding emphasis and clarity to your writing.