took up a position

USAGE SUMMARY

'took up a position' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe someone taking on a job or responsibility, such as: John took up a position as the head of the marketing department at a large tech company.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He later took up a position on the justice committee.

The Guardian

He later took up a position at Morgan Stanley's investment banking arm.

Independent

He took up a position at the front of the crowd, which gawked at him.

The Guardian

The students took up a position one by one, behind the timpani.

The New Yorker

On January 29 , 1258 Hulagu's forces took up a position on the eastern outskirts of Baghdad and began a bombardment.

The New Yorker

Upon arriving, they dismounted, took up a position in rifle pits on the north side of the river, and waited.

The New York Times

In 1613 John Bull left England for Flanders, where he soon took up a position as organist at Antwerp Cathedral.

The New York Times - Arts

In 1998, Alexei took up a position as a research assistant in the department of applied mathematics at Leeds University.

The Guardian

He took up a position on the dunes with his right on the sea and his left on the Bruges canal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In 1187 he left Egypt, crossed the Jordan south of the Sea of Galilee, and took up a position close to the river.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Hazaras took up a position near the cemetery, and soon two men carrying heavy blankets rounded a corner and passed a mud wall.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the level of formality required by the context. While "took up a position" is generally acceptable, "assumed a post" may be more appropriate for formal or professional settings.

Common error

A common error is using the wrong preposition after "position". Always clarify whether someone took "up" a position, or took "on" responsibilities associated with it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took up a position" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of assuming a role, job, or physical location. Ludwig confirms its correct usage. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

33%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "took up a position" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe assuming a role, job, or physical location. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across diverse sources. Predominantly found in news, encyclopedia, and wiki contexts, it maintains a neutral to professional register. When employing this phrase, clarity regarding the type of "position" (job, role, or location) is crucial for effective communication. The related phrases, such as "assumed a post", offer similar meanings, but should be selected based on the intended level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assumed a post

Implies formally accepting a job or role; more formal.

accepted a role

Focuses on the role being accepted; slightly less formal.

filled a vacancy

Highlights the act of occupying a previously empty position.

began employment

Emphasizes the start of work; more general.

started in a job

Simple and direct; focuses on the job itself.

stationed oneself

Implies placing oneself in a specific location for a purpose.

situated themselves

Focuses on the physical act of placing oneself.

established a presence

Highlights creating a visible presence in a particular place.

moved into a spot

Suggests physical movement to occupy a location.

got situated

Informal way of saying someone settled into a place or role.

FAQs

How can I use "took up a position" in a sentence?

You can use "took up a position" to describe someone starting a new job, role, or physically locating themselves. For example: "He "took up a position" as a research assistant." or "The troops "took up a position" on the hill."

What phrases are similar to "took up a position"?

Similar phrases include "assumed a post", "accepted a role", and "stationed oneself". The best choice depends on the context.

Is "took up a position" formal or informal?

"Took up a position" is generally considered neutral in formality. While suitable for many contexts, consider more formal alternatives like "assumed a post" in professional settings.

When should I use "took up a position" versus "took on a responsibility"?

"Took up a position" refers to a job or location. "Took on a responsibility" refers to assuming a duty or task. Be sure to use the phrase that accurately reflects the intended meaning.