we are not in a position

USAGE SUMMARY

"we are not in a position" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you do not have the ability, authority, or resources to do something. For example, "We are not in a position to make any decisions until all the facts have been gathered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

However, we are not in a position to comment".

The New York Times

But we are not in a position to prejudge that".

The Guardian

We are not in a position to make more shoes.

The New York Times

"We are not in a position to say anything else".

The New York Times - Magazine

We are not in a position to offer guarantees.

The New York Times

We are not in a position where we can predict.

Independent

We are not in a position to do that.

The Economist

We are not in a position to deal with all the ills of the society.

The New York Times

"We are not in a position to say more at this stage," it said.

The Guardian

We are not in a position to say whether this is true or false.

The New Yorker

"We are not in a position to tell them not to come.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If you need to provide more context, briefly explain the reason for your inability to act or comment, but avoid divulging confidential information.

Common error

Avoid using "we are not in a position" as a generic brush-off. If possible, offer alternative solutions or actions you can take to demonstrate your willingness to assist.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are not in a position" functions as a declarative statement expressing a current inability or constraint. It is frequently used to politely decline requests, defer decisions, or acknowledge limitations. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we are not in a position" is a versatile expression used to convey an inability or constraint, whether due to a lack of authority, resources, or information. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English. As demonstrated by examples from The New York Times, The Guardian and BBC, it is commonly used in news reports and business communications to politely decline comment or explain inaction. Alternatives include "we are unable to" or "we cannot", but the specific choice depends on the desired nuance. When using this phrase, it's important to be direct yet polite, and to provide context if possible to avoid sounding dismissive. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively use "we are not in a position" in various professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are unable to

Focuses on a lack of ability or capability.

we cannot

A more direct and concise way of stating inability.

it is not within our power

Emphasizes the lack of authority or control.

we lack the capacity

Highlights the absence of the necessary resources or skills.

we are not equipped to

Focuses on lacking the necessary tools or preparation.

we are not authorized to

Emphasizes the absence of official permission or mandate.

we are not at liberty to

Highlights a restriction due to external factors or obligations.

it's beyond our scope

Indicates that something falls outside the defined responsibilities or area of expertise.

we have no authority

Directly states a lack of power or authorization.

we are constrained from

Highlights external limitations or restrictions preventing action.

FAQs

What does "we are not in a position" mean?

It indicates that the speaker or entity lacks the authority, ability, or resources to take a specific action or make a statement at the current time.

How to use "we are not in a position" in a sentence?

You can use it to politely decline to comment on a sensitive topic, explain why you can't fulfill a request, or justify your inaction due to certain constraints. For example, "We are not in a position to disclose that information at this time."

What can I say instead of "we are not in a position"?

You can use alternatives like "we are unable to", "we cannot", or "it is not within our power" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "we are not in a position"?

It's appropriate when you genuinely lack the capacity, authority, or information to act or comment. Avoid using it as a mere excuse to avoid responsibility or transparency. Be prepared to explain why you're not in a position to act if asked.