vie for position

USAGE SUMMARY

"vie for position" is correct and usable in written English.
It generally means to compete for or to strive to obtain or achieve a certain position. For example, "The two candidates will vie for position in the upcoming election".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

This time, the Sunnis will also vie for position, with their political survival at stake, so U.S. officials say it could take just as long.

The Washington Post

Short track speed skating has proved a hit with spectators and TV viewers at the Games, but races often finish with at least one of the competitors sprawling on the ice as they vie for position on the compact track.

The Guardian - Sport

People are going to see this power flow into an area and want to vie for position.

Los Angeles Times

Within the television category, Web-based shows continued to surge, up 88% in the quarter as companies like Hulu and Amazon vie for position in the growing online entertainment space.

Los Angeles Times

Within the television category, Web-based shows continued to surge, up 88% in the quarter as companies like Hulu and Amazon vie for position in the growing online entertainment space.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

We can see the Cannondale and Giant Shimano teams vying for position in the pack already.

The Guardian - Sport

It's all vying for position, more than it is creating anything.

The New York Times

Since Cain and Abel, fraternal rifts are notorious, particularly when two are vying for position of top dog.

The Guardian - Money

The final six minutes were a hectic free-for-all as the cars vied for position in the top 10.

The New York Times

He's intensely focused, but on several things at once, and each issue seems to be vying for position.

The New York Times - Magazine

But in addition, at least 54 other companies are vying for position in the lucrative world testing market.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "vie for position" when you want to express active competition for a specific rank or placement. For example, in sports reporting or political analysis, it can effectively convey the dynamic struggle among contenders.

Common error

Avoid using "vie for position" when simply describing cooperation or collaboration. This phrase implies a struggle for dominance, so use it only when competition is present.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vie for position" functions as a verb phrase indicating competition. It describes the act of competing or struggling to achieve a better rank, status, or placement. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vie for position" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a competitive situation where individuals or groups are actively competing for a better rank or status. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression. While not exceedingly common, it is found in news and media, and sport contexts. Remember to use it when competition, rather than cooperation, is the core of the action. By understanding its proper context and potential alternatives, you can effectively use "vie for position" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compete for a place

Focuses on the competitive aspect of securing a spot, differing slightly in emphasizing the 'place' itself.

contend for a ranking

Emphasizes competition for a specific ranking, implying a hierarchical structure.

strive for prominence

Highlights the effort to achieve a prominent or leading role.

struggle for advantage

Focuses on the effort to gain an advantage, often implying a difficult or intense competition.

jockey for position

Implies maneuvering and strategic actions to gain a better position, often in a crowded field.

battle for supremacy

Suggests a fierce competition where the ultimate goal is to be the best.

pursue a leading role

Highlights the active pursuit of a leadership position.

seek to dominate

Focuses on the attempt to gain control or dominance.

angle for an advantage

Implies the use of clever or indirect methods to gain an edge.

aspire to leadership

Highlights the ambition to reach a position of leadership.

FAQs

How can I use "vie for position" in a sentence?

Use "vie for position" to describe a competitive situation where individuals or groups are competing for a specific rank or placement. For example: "Several companies are "vying for position" in the electric car market."

What are some alternatives to "vie for position"?

You can use alternatives like "compete for a place", "strive for prominence", or "struggle for advantage" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "vying for position"?

Yes, "vying for position" is the present participle form of "vie for position" and is grammatically correct when used in continuous tenses. For example: "The athletes are "vying for position" in the final race."

What does "jockey for position" mean, and how does it relate to "vie for position"?

"Jockey for position" is a similar phrase that implies maneuvering or strategically positioning oneself to gain an advantage. It's a more active and nuanced form of "vie for position" suggesting skillful maneuvering.