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Prepositions with nouns

How to use prepositions with position

In position is a common expression for readiness or location. Of position is uncommon except in larger noun phrases.

Quick answer

Using in position and of position

Use in position when something is ready or correctly placed. Of position usually appears inside another phrase, such as change of position or questions of position.

The cameras are in position for the concert.
All the players were in position before the match began.
The debate involved a change of position on taxes.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
in position

Showing readiness or placement

Use in position when someone or something is correctly placed and ready.

The rescue team was in position by midnight.
The furniture is now in position.
2
position of + noun

Identifying a role or location

Use position of to name a job, rank, or physical place.

She accepted the position of director last year.
The map shows the position of the bridge.
3
out of position

Describing incorrect placement

Use out of position when something is misplaced or not ready.

One defender was out of position during the attack.
The picture looked out of position on the wall.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
in position
The soldiers were in position before dawn.
Correctly placed and ready.
of position
The committee discussed questions of position and authority.
Of position is uncommon by itself and usually part of a larger noun phrase.
position of
He applied for the position of manager.
Names a role, rank, or location.
out of position
The microphone was slightly out of position.
Not correctly placed.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using of position as a fixed phrase

English usually uses position of or in position instead.

✕ The team was of position before the game. ✓ The team was in position before the game.

Missing of after position

Use of before a role or title.

✕ She accepted the position manager. ✓ She accepted the position of manager.

Confusing in position with position in

In position means ready or correctly placed, while position in refers to location within something.

✕ The files are position in the cabinet. ✓ The files are in position in the cabinet.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The actors were ___ position before the curtain opened.
2. He accepted the position ___ supervisor.
3. The painting looked out ___ position.

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Frequently asked questions

What does in position mean?

It means correctly placed, ready, or prepared for action.

Is of position correct?

Usually only inside a larger phrase such as change of position. It is not a common standalone expression.

What is the difference between in position and position of?

In position describes readiness or placement. Position of identifies a role, rank, or location.

"in act" or "of act"? "in agreement" or "of agreement"? "in appearance" or "of appearance"? "in area" or "of area"? in, at, on, of or to hand? "in attempt" or "of attempt"? "in battle" or "of battle"? "in celebration", "of celebration" or "for celebration"? "in chain" or "of chain"? "in chapter" or "of chapter"? "in charge" or "of charge"? "in check" or "of check"?

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