Is 'first position' the same as 'first place'?

In most competitive contexts, yes. 'First position' can sound slightly more formal or technical, while 'first place' is more common in everyday speech about races and contests.

Can 'first position' be used as a verb?

Yes, but it's a specialised business/marketing term (to position something as first in the market or in perception). It is not a general-use verb.

What's the difference between 'first position' and 'leading position'?

'First position' is absolute (number one). 'Leading position' can mean first, but can also mean among the top few who are ahead of the rest.

Is there a plural form?

Yes, 'first positions'. Example: 'The company holds first positions in several key market segments.'

Is “first position” formal?

First position is usually formal, academic, business, sports in register.

How do you pronounce “first position”?

First position: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfɜːst pəˈzɪʃ.ən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfɝːst pəˈzɪʃ.ən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

first position: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

UK/ˌfɜːst pəˈzɪʃ.ən/US/ˌfɝːst pəˈzɪʃ.ən/

Formal, Academic, Business, Sports

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “first position” mean?

the highest or leading place in a ranking, competition, or sequence.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

the highest or leading place in a ranking, competition, or sequence; being number one.

Can refer to an advantageous starting point, a leading viewpoint, or a strategic location. In finance, it refers to a specific time in a billing cycle. In ballet, a fundamental placement of the feet.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Minimal. 'First place' is slightly more common in everyday US speech for competition results.

Connotations

Both share connotations of success and achievement.

Frequency

Equally frequent in formal and business contexts in both regions.

Grammar

How to Use “first position” in a Sentence

to be in first positionto take first positionto move to first positionto fall from first position

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

achieve first positionmaintain first positionsecure first positionoccupy first positionregain first position

medium

hold first positionfinish in first positionmove into first positiondrop from first positioncompete for first position

weak

coveted first positiontop/first position in the rankingsfirst position overallfirst position holder

Examples

Examples of “first position” in a Sentence

verb

British English

The team managed to first-position their new product ahead of the competitor's launch.

American English

The marketing strategy aimed to first-position the brand in consumers' minds.

adverb

British English

The car finished first-position, much to the team's delight.

American English

They ranked first-position in the efficiency audit.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

The company regained first position in the market share rankings.

Academic

The theory holds first position in contemporary philosophical discourse.

Everyday

She finished the race in first position!

Technical

The satellite was manoeuvred into first position in the geostationary slot. (Telecoms)

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “first position”

Strong

lead primacy preeminence

Neutral

first placetop spotnumber one

Weak

front forefront pole position vanguard

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “first position”

last positionbottomlast placereartrailing position

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “first position”

Using 'in the first position' redundantly (e.g., 'He came in the first position' - simpler: 'He came first').
Confusing 'position' with 'place' in non-competitive contexts.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: In most competitive contexts, yes. 'First position' can sound slightly more formal or technical, while 'first place' is more common in everyday speech about races and contests.
: Yes, but it's a specialised business/marketing term (to position something as first in the market or in perception). It is not a general-use verb.
: 'First position' is absolute (number one). 'Leading position' can mean first, but can also mean among the top few who are ahead of the rest.
: Yes, 'first positions'. Example: 'The company holds first positions in several key market segments.'
: the highest or leading place in a ranking, competition, or sequence.
: First position is usually formal, academic, business, sports in register.
: First position: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfɜːst pəˈzɪʃ.ən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfɝːst pəˈzɪʃ.ən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“From first position to last”
“A first position finish”
“To be in pole position (from motor racing)”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Imagine a podium: FIRST POSITION is the highest step where the gold medalist stands.

Conceptual Metaphor

SUCCESS IS BEING AHEAD / COMPETITION IS A RACE.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

The athlete trained relentlessly to first position in the world rankings.

Multiple Choice

In which context is 'first position' LEAST likely to be used?