whose position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "whose position" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a person's role, job, or status within a particular situation or organization. For example, "The man whose position was being threatened was visibly upset."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

-Does not disclose an apparent affiliation with the IDSA, whose position is positively supported and presented by the article's author.

Huffington Post

And a coach whose position is secure - sort of.

The Guardian - Sport

This is one partition whose position we cannot change.

The New York Times - Science

The end-effector is an optical marker whose position is detected by a vision system.

Acta Astronautica

Variable impedance actuators are actuators whose position and stiffness can be controlled independently.

Mechanism and Machine Theory

So voters vote for the closest candidate: the candidate whose position is closest to their own.

Yale University

So, how do we know, if we've got this play, whose position is Plato's position?

Yale University

The pattern results from a nucleosome whose position depends on sequences within the UASG.

Stanford University

Corroborative evidence may be drawn from the bodies whose position is about the centre.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

They may, moreover, be less consensual than the individual whose position confers power or authority believes.

Stanford University

Ms Yingluck is in effect a hostage in negotiations with Mr Thaksin, whose position has weakened.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "whose position", ensure the noun it modifies is clearly defined and understood within the context. Clarity prevents ambiguity regarding who or what the position refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "whose position" when the subject or entity holding the position is vague or undefined. Ensure the reader knows precisely who or what the position belongs to for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "whose position" functions as a relative clause introducing information about the role, status, or job held by someone or something. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase is used to add detail and context to a subject, clarifying their standing or function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

25%

Science

23%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "whose position" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for specifying a role, job, or status. Ludwig confirms that its function as a relative clause adds important contextual information. The phrase is versatile, appearing in news, academic writing, and scientific reports, yet care should be taken to ensure clarity of reference. When in doubt, consider alternatives like "in what capacity" for more directness. The frequency and correctness, supported by Ludwig's examples, demonstrate its reliable use in formal and informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in which capacity they serve

Highlights the function or role an individual fulfills, especially in a formal or official setting.

what role they occupy

Focuses on the function or part that someone plays within a system or situation.

what office they hold

Specifically refers to an official designation or job that someone occupies.

in what capacity

Replaces "whose position" by focusing on the specific role or function someone holds.

what their place is

Refers to where someone belongs or fits within a broader context.

from what standpoint

Emphasizes the viewpoint or perspective someone is adopting, rather than their formal role.

what their standing is

Concerns someone's status or rank, particularly within an organization or hierarchy.

what their designation is

Refers to the formal title or description of their job or role.

with what authority

Highlights the power or authorization someone possesses, shifting the focus from mere placement.

what their job entails

Shifts the focus to the responsibilities and duties associated with their work.

FAQs

How can I use "whose position" in a sentence?

Use "whose position" to indicate the role, job, or status of someone or something. For example, "The senator "whose position" was threatened spoke eloquently."

What are some alternatives to "whose position"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "in what capacity", "what role they occupy", or "what their standing is".

Is it always necessary to use "whose position"?

No, sometimes simpler phrasing can be more direct. Instead of "the candidate "whose position" is precarious", you could say "the candidate with a precarious position".

What's the difference between "whose position" and "who's position"?

"Whose position" indicates possession (belonging to whom), while "who's position" is a contraction of "who is position", which is grammatically incorrect. Always use "whose" to show possession.