was in a position to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was in a position to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate someone's capability or opportunity to do something in a specific context. Example: "After years of hard work, she was in a position to negotiate her salary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was in a position to know.

The Guardian - Books

But I was in a position to say so immediately.

The Guardian

Mr. Emory was in a position to know.

The New York Times

"I don't think I was in a position to reject.

The Guardian

Stricker was in a position to win outright.

The New York Times - Sports

"I was in a position to say nothing.

The New York Times

Finally, the team was in a position to clean.

The New Yorker

Everyone was in a position to make change.

The New Yorker

"If I was in a position to, yeah.

The New York Times - Magazine

Lord Hutton was in a position to expose this; he chose not to.

The Guardian

But unlike most Alzheimer's caregivers, he was in a position to help others avoid her fate.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was in a position to" to clearly indicate that someone had the necessary resources, authority, or circumstances to take a specific action. It is especially useful when highlighting a missed opportunity or a specific moment of readiness.

Common error

While "was in a position to" is a valid phrase, avoid using it excessively in your writing. Vary your language by using alternatives like "could", "was able to", or "had the opportunity to" to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was in a position to" functions as a modal expression indicating capability or opportunity within specific circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples show it denoting the ability to influence, change or achieve something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was in a position to" is a frequently used and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that someone had the capability or opportunity to do something under specific circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. Its versatility makes it suitable for various contexts, though it leans towards a more neutral and professional tone. Remember to consider alternatives such as "was able to" or "could" to prevent overuse. This analysis provides practical guidance for employing the phrase effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was able to

A simpler and more direct way of expressing the capability to do something.

could

A concise modal verb indicating possibility or ability in the past.

had the ability to

Focuses more directly on the inherent capacity or skill to perform an action.

had the opportunity to

Emphasizes the availability of a chance or favorable circumstance.

was capable of

Highlights the inherent potential or skill to accomplish something.

had the power to

Stresses the authority or control necessary to perform an action.

was empowered to

Indicates that someone was given the authority or means to do something.

was authorized to

Highlights the official permission or sanction to carry out an action.

was qualified to

Focuses on meeting the necessary requirements or criteria for a particular task.

held the advantage to

Highlights the favorable strategic situation one possesses.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "was in a position to"?

You can use alternatives like "was able to", "had the opportunity to", or simply "could" depending on the context.

Is "was in a position to" formal or informal?

The phrase "was in a position to" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, simpler alternatives might be preferred in very informal settings.

How to use "was in a position to" in a sentence?

Use "was in a position to" to indicate that someone had the necessary capability or opportunity to do something, for instance: "After the promotion, she was in a position to make significant changes in the department."

What's the difference between "was in a position to" and "could"?

While both indicate ability, "was in a position to" often implies a specific set of circumstances or resources that enabled the action, whereas "could" is a more general statement of ability or possibility.