Site
The noun site describes an area where something is constructed or has occurred, this can be in the past, present or future.
For example:
- The building was constructed on this site in 1979.
- This site is where the victim was attacked, it happened at midnight.
- The building site needs security guards, surveillance cameras and security fencing.
- A new public library will be built on the site, it will take two years to complete.
The noun can also be used to refer to a website. For example:
- The teacher told us to use that specific site.
- This is the university’s site, it has all the information you need.
- Have you used this site before? It’s very useful, I use it to improve my English.
- A child her age shouldn’t be using a site like that, she’s too young.
As a verb site means to place or locate something in a specific area. For example:
- The power plant was sited on the outskirts of the city.
- The new courtroom is sited opposite the university.
Place
The noun place refers to an area or a space. This space can usually used for a certain purpose, if you think of a sports hall, this is a place used to exercise. A temple, for example, is a place of worship and an office is a place of work, employees go to this place to work.
Here are some more examples:
- This place is private property, we shouldn’t be here.
- The playground is a great place for kids play and socialise with their peers.
- If you are new to the area, the local bar is an ideal place to meet new people.
- This is the place where your parents met each other for the first time.
The noun can also be used to refer to certain spot on the surface of something. For example:
- The places most commonly sunburnt on the body are the shoulders, neck and back.
- This dressing table is the place where I put my jewellery.
- The noun can refer to a person’s reservation or seat. For example:
- In my family we all have a specific place at the table, I sit at the top of the table.
- I saved you a place in the lecture today but you didn’t see me.
The noun is also used a lot when talking about sport and competitions. For example:
- The runner finished second place and won a silver medal.
- After months of training the player gained a place in the first team.
As a verb place can also be used to talk about a sporting event or other competitions, for example:
- The volleyball team were placed third in the championship.
- She was placing high throughout the completion and in the end she was announced the winner.
The verb can also mean to arrange or organise something in a certain way. For example:
- Place the stock the way I showed you.
- The teacher asked her students to place the art material on the shelves before leaving the classroom.
Or the verb can mean to put something or someone in a particular place or location. For example:
- The flower arrangement was placed on the table.
- The convict was placed into solitary confinement after dangerous behaviour.
Spot
The noun spot can refer to a location, for example:
- That’s the spot where the body was found.
- “Where will we meet?” “Let’s meet at the usual spot beside the shopping centre.”
- There are some great spots around here to get something to eat.
The noun can also refer to a blemish or flaw, for example:
- When I eat a lot of chocolate I get spots on my face.
- The mother knew her daughter had the chickenpox once she saw the spots on her daughter’s skin.
The verb spot can mean to find, to see, to identify or to notice something, for example:
- The girl spotted her father across the road.
- “I spotted your car the other day, but you weren’t anywhere to be seen.”
- He hopes to spot his boss before the end of the day.
- Look at the two illustrations and spot the differences.
Space
The noun space also has a couple different meanings. It can be referring to the area around earth that holds the stars and the other planets.
It is also used to refer to an area that doesn’t contain anything but can be used to store or hold people or things. For example:
- There is space in the car for you.
- There wasn’t any space on the bus so I had to wait for the next bus.
- Is there any space in the fridge for the birthday cake?
- Kate bought too many souvenirs while she was on vacation and didn’t have enough space in her suitcase for them all.
Space can also refer to the distance between objects or people, for example:
- There was very little space between the two parked cars.
- The striker was given too much space and scored the winning goal.
- There was a huge space between the runner in first place and the other runners.
- When parking the car, Will didn’t leave enough space between the car and the street light. In the end he scratched the whole side of his car.
As a verb space describes the action of arranging objects or people to provide more distance between them. For example:
- Give her some space, she has been through a lot, she needs time to herself.
- The houses were spaced apart to ensure privacy for each homeowner.
- I will space the meetings to give you more time between each meeting.
- You need to space the tables better, there isn’t enough space between each table.
Location
This noun is used to refer to a specific place or area. It can be used when talking about a place that is used for a specific purpose, such as a building location, a filming location or a mining location.
The noun can also describe a settled area or a residential area. For example:
- The outskirts of the city is the perfect location to build a new housing estate.
- I would love to live in a more central location.
- It is believed that this location is where the vikings first settled in Ireland.
- This discreet location is where they would secretly meet.
Position
The noun refers to the specific location or placement of an object an animal or a person. For example:
- “What is your position?”
- Please go to your designated positions on stage, the play is about to begin.
- The lion was in a hunting position, he was ready to strike.
- “For the time to be 14:15, where should the hands be positioned on the clock?” the teacher asked his students.
- The dog was in a sitting position when he heard the noise from outside, he immediately stood up and started to bark.
The noun position can also refer to somebody’s rank or job. For example:
- He was just given the manager position, he is delighted.
- I am applying for the sales assistant position, is it still available?
- She believes that because of her position on society that she can get whatever she wants.
Position when used as a noun can refer to a sports players role in the team. For example:
- “What is your position?” “I’m a midfielder.”
- The full-back position in rugby is very demanding as the full-back players have a lot of responsibility.
- “What positions are there in basketball?”
- In hockey, the goalkeeper has the toughest position.
As a verb position can mean to place. Here are some more examples:
- While decorating, the couple decided to position the three couches in an L-shape to create an open atmosphere.
- The lead actor was positioned at the front of the stage.
- How did you position the players?
- They positioned their new holiday home on an elevated slope as they wanted a view of the beautiful coastline.
