vying for position

USAGE SUMMARY

"vying for position" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a situation in which people or organizations are competing for an advantageous position or status. For example: "The two candidates were vying for the position of president of the student union."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 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

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

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

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

The New York Times - Magazine

It seems almost every player — publishers, search engines, libraries, pirates and even some scholars — is vying for position at authors' expense.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

He described aides vying for positions as White House chief of staff or director of covert operations.

The New York Times

Surely intelligent and educated young women, vying for positions in these extremely competitive working environments, are already aware of these unwritten rules of presentation.

The Guardian

Disparate groups are vying for positions in the interim government, which is also seeking to integrate former rebel fighters, many of whom were unemployed before the revolution, into the security forces.

The New York Times

Cambridge and Imperial College London join Oxford in the top 10 for 2016/17, named fourth and eighth respectively, vying for positions in the rankings with the likes of Stanford, Harvard and Princeton universities and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, all in the US.

The Guardian

"The reality is that African-Americans are vying for positions in the work force in greater numbers, and I think there is a backlash — a cowardly backlash — from people who do not want more competition for the limited number of jobs," Mr. Brewington said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a competitive situation, use "vying for position" to clearly convey the active struggle for an advantageous spot or status. This phrase adds a sense of dynamism and purpose.

Common error

While "vying for position" effectively describes competition, avoid using it in situations where there is no active contest or struggle. Using it inappropriately can make your writing sound awkward or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vying for position" functions as a gerund phrase, typically acting as a noun within a sentence. It describes the act of competing for a more favorable or advantageous placement, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples demonstrating its usage in various competitive scenarios.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Books

9%

Sports

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Vice

5%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vying for position" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a competitive situation where individuals or entities are actively seeking an advantageous placement. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is versatile and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, media, sports, and books. While its register is generally neutral, its usage is most prevalent in journalistic and analytical writing, highlighting its effectiveness in conveying dynamic competition. When using "vying for position", ensure that the context involves genuine competition to maintain clarity and relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

competing for dominance

Focuses specifically on the struggle for control or authority.

striving for advantage

Highlights the effort to gain a beneficial edge.

battling for supremacy

Emphasizes a fight for ultimate superiority or power.

contending for leadership

Specifically refers to competing for a leadership role.

jockeying for ranking

Suggests strategic maneuvering to improve one's standing in a hierarchy.

struggling for prominence

Emphasizes the effort to achieve recognition and importance.

fighting for recognition

Highlights the struggle to get noticed and appreciated.

pursuing an edge

Focuses on the active chase for a competitive advantage.

challenging for authority

Focuses on questioning and competing for power.

seeking a foothold

Emphasizes the attempt to establish a secure and stable position.

FAQs

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

You can use "vying for position" to describe a competitive situation, such as "The companies are "vying for position" in the market" or "The athletes were "vying for position" at the start of the race."

What are some alternatives to "vying for position"?

Some alternatives to "vying for position" include "competing for dominance", "battling for supremacy", and "striving for advantage" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "vying to position" instead of "vying for position"?

No, the correct and idiomatic expression is "vying for position". "Vying to position" is not standard English and would be considered grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "vying for position" and "seeking a foothold"?

"Seeking a foothold" implies trying to establish a stable, secure starting point, while "vying for position" indicates a more active and ongoing competition for a better or more advantageous placement among existing contenders.