to hold a position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to hold a position" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone occupying a specific role or job within an organization or context. Example: "She has worked hard to hold a position of leadership in the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

"It is still difficult for a woman to hold a position of political power.

The Guardian

I do not know of a PTA charter that allows anyone to hold a position for four years.

The New York Times

As the first actor to hold a position customarily given to administrators, Alexander brought both credibility and eloquence to the fight for arts funding.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Each also agreed not to hold a position in a public company that would require signing a filing on its behalf for up to two years.

The New York Times

"You see beautiful women stripping themselves of their femininity just to be able to hold a position of power," Bishop McKenzie said.

The New York Times

"There is no evidence that Dr Carson brings the necessary credentials to hold a position with such immense responsibilities and impact on families and communities across America".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

As the former head of the North Pole Chamber of Commerce -- a role he took on in 2013 -- Claus is no stranger to holding a position in office.

Huffington Post

Yet the award is not limited to faculty members; applicants are expected to hold a faculty position or a "research-related position" at a U.S. college or university.

Science Magazine

Jr High School and High School coaching positions are difficult to get, and will usually require you to hold a teaching position at the school, as well as your coaching duties.

WikiHow

The alternative, using propellers to hold a steady position, also consumes a lot of power.

The Economist

And he has improved his strength markedly, as evidenced by his ability to hold a plank position for two minutes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to hold a position", ensure the context clearly indicates the type of position being referred to, whether it's a job, an opinion, or a physical location. For example, specify "to hold a leadership position" or "to hold a defensive position" for clarity.

Common error

Don't assume the type of position is obvious from context. Ambiguity can arise if the sentence doesn't specify whether you are referring to a professional position, a stance on an issue, or something else entirely. Always provide sufficient context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to hold a position" functions as an infinitive phrase, often serving as a verb complement or modifier. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. It describes the act of occupying a specific role or job.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

25%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to hold a position" is a grammatically sound and commonly used infinitive phrase that indicates occupying a specific role, job, or stance. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and wide applicability. While versatile, it's essential to provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "to occupy a post" or "to assume a role", depending on the desired nuance. Its register ranges from neutral to professional, and it appears most frequently in news media and on wikis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to retain a position

Highlights the act of keeping or preserving an existing role or job.

to occupy a post

Replaces "hold" with "occupy" and "position" with "post", suggesting a more formal or official tone.

to assume a role

Uses "assume" instead of "hold" and "role" instead of "position", implying taking on responsibilities.

to have a post

A simpler way of saying "to hold a position", indicating possession of the role.

to fill a seat

Emphasizes the act of taking up a formal place or position, often in a governing body or committee.

to take office

Specifically refers to assuming a governmental or official role.

to serve in a capacity

Uses "serve" to suggest duty or contribution, with "capacity" indicating the functional role.

to maintain a stance

Focuses on upholding a particular viewpoint or opinion, rather than a job or duty.

to exercise authority

Focuses on the power and control associated with a position, rather than the position itself.

to be in charge

Indicates leadership and responsibility, often implying a position of power.

FAQs

How do I use "to hold a position" in a sentence?

You can use "to hold a position" to describe someone who occupies a specific job, role, or office. For example, "She aspires "to hold a position" on the board of directors."

What are some alternatives to saying "to hold a position"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "to occupy a post", "to assume a role", or "to take office".

Is it correct to say "to hold in a position"?

The phrase "to hold in a position" is less common and often grammatically awkward. It's usually better to use "to hold a position" or rephrase the sentence for clarity.

What's the difference between "to hold a position" and "to take a position"?

"To hold a position" typically means to currently occupy a role or job, while "to take a position" often means to assume a stance or opinion on a particular issue. For example, "He "to hold a position" as CEO" versus "She "to take a position" against the new policy."