they position themselves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they position themselves" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about two or more people consciously taking a stance on a certain issue or in a particular situation. For example, "Given the possible outcomes, the students carefully position themselves to maximize their chances of success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

"JetBlue probably has the ability to pull it off because they position themselves as a younger, hipper brand".

The New York Times - Arts

There shouldn't be another shoe to drop immediately, because of where people are at and how they position themselves.

The New York Times

They do this, Giridharadas suggests, through a psychological trick in which they position themselves as rebels fighting a corrupt establishment.

The Guardian - Books

By avoiding the common mistakes that plagued their predecessors, they position themselves to enjoy large profits later.

Harvard Business Review

Ambitious Hausa politicians have done what they can to cultivate that belief as they position themselves for elections next year.

The New York Times

Yet it is clearly influencing the strategic calculations of both sides as they position themselves for the competitive months ahead.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Hadn't they positioned themselves to the left of New Labour for years?

The Guardian

They positioned themselves as respectful Obama critics, not haters likening him to Hitler.

The New York Times

They positioned themselves perfectly in their zone and rarely allowed any odd-man rushes.

The New York Times - Sports

"They positioned themselves in a way that would let them meet their goals," Ms. Astic said.

The New York Times

Were they positioning themselves for some kind of post-White House "reconciliation" act?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they position themselves" when you want to emphasize a deliberate and strategic placement in a specific context, whether it's for competitive advantage, political maneuvering, or adapting to new circumstances.

Common error

While versatile, "they position themselves" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "they get ready" or "they prepare" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they position themselves" functions as a verb phrase indicating a deliberate action taken by a group to strategically place or prepare themselves in a specific context. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they position themselves" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression, as verified by Ludwig AI. It describes a strategic action taken by a group to prepare or place themselves advantageously. While frequent in news, science, and business contexts, it's less common in informal settings. Alternatives like "they get ready" or "they prepare" may be more appropriate for casual conversation. Ultimately, choosing to use "they position themselves" will lend a strategic and deliberate tone to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they situate themselves

A more formal synonym, emphasizing location or context.

they get ready

Focuses on the preparation aspect, omitting the strategic element of "positioning".

they adjust their stance

Highlights a change in opinion or approach rather than initial positioning.

they prepare themselves

Adds a reflexive element, emphasizing personal preparation, but still lacks the strategic positioning aspect.

they prepare

Similar to "they get ready", it emphasizes readiness but lacks the positioning nuance.

they align themselves

Suggests forming an alliance or showing support rather than strategic positioning.

they get set

Highlights the act of becoming ready or prepared, but doesn't include the idea of strategic placement.

they orient themselves

Focuses on understanding one's position relative to surroundings, rather than strategic intent.

they prepare to act

Emphasizes the readiness to perform an action but lacks the strategic element of "positioning".

they arrange themselves

Emphasizes physical arrangement, less applicable in abstract strategic contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "they position themselves" in a sentence?

You can use "they position themselves" to describe a deliberate action to gain an advantage, like: "The companies "they position themselves" as leaders in sustainable energy by investing in renewable resources".

What can I say instead of "they position themselves"?

Alternatives include "they get ready", "they prepare", or "they situate themselves", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "they position themselves for success"?

Yes, "they position themselves for success" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase. It means that they are taking strategic actions to increase their likelihood of achieving a positive outcome.

What's the difference between "they position themselves" and "they get ready"?

"They position themselves" implies a more strategic and deliberate action, often involving competition or specific goals. In comparison, ""they get ready"" simply means they are preparing, without the same emphasis on strategy or placement.