a certain stance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain stance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific position or viewpoint on an issue, often implying that the stance is not explicitly defined. Example: "In the debate, she maintained a certain stance that resonated with many in the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"This was not a matter of elegant words or a certain stance.

The Guardian

Though they have to maintain a certain stance, the last thing they want is still another responsibility on an alien playing field.

The New York Times

Thus, in the seminal work of modern aesthetics Kritik der Urteilskraft (1790; The Critique of Judgment), Immanuel Kant located the distinctive features of the aesthetic in the faculty of "judgment," whereby we take up a certain stance toward objects, separating them from our scientific interests and our practical concerns.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The old baseball knowledge, as more than a few earlier movies have taught, was built on rich whiffs of romance and new sod, and highly subjective ideas about what it takes to win, including looking right for the part, having a certain stance on the mound, even a good face.

The New York Times

A writer as good as Paley helps us (at least) know our world by modelling a certain stance toward it that is so pure and distinctive that it makes us go back into the world and take a harder, fonder look at it.

The New Yorker

But the word "my" cannot, by itself, play the critical role in an argument showing that a certain stance is morally valuable.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Black, in America, connotes a certain ideological stance.

The New Yorker

The oppressed side, in their turn, attempts to defend their own point of view, thereby also adopting a certain ideological stance.8.8

Functional Linguistics

One perspective (Dennett, 1987) is that propositional attitudes are actually dispositional states that we use to adopt a certain heuristic stance toward rational agents.

SEP

Mufasa has a certain regal stance and a fierce look in his eyes make sure to incorporate those details into your drawing.

WikiHow

We're not sitting down and really examining why we're taking certain stances.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a certain stance" when you want to indicate a position or viewpoint without being overly specific. It implies that the stance is understood or recognizable, even if not explicitly defined.

Common error

While acceptable, overusing "a certain stance" can make your writing sound vague. In formal contexts, consider replacing it with more precise terms like "a specific position" or "a clearly defined viewpoint" to enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain stance" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes a position, viewpoint, or attitude that is specific but not explicitly defined. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a certain stance" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a specific position or viewpoint without being overly precise. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic writing. While its frequency is common, writers should be mindful of its potential vagueness, especially in formal settings where clarity is paramount. Alternatives like "a specific position" or "a particular viewpoint" may offer greater precision when needed. It's worth noting that while the phrase is acceptable and commonly used, as also confirmed by Ludwig, alternatives can be employed for stylistic variation and greater clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific position

Focuses on the definiteness of the position taken.

a particular viewpoint

Emphasizes the perspective or angle from which something is viewed.

a definite attitude

Highlights the attitude element and how sure it is.

a determined posture

Suggests a firm or resolute position.

a clear outlook

Focuses on having a precise perspective or view.

a firm standpoint

Indicates a strong and unwavering opinion.

a precise alignment

Suggests agreement or conformity.

a distinct approach

Focuses on the specific way of dealing with something.

a fixed orientation

Implies a stable and unchanging direction or focus.

a defined philosophy

Emphasizes the principles underlying a particular stance.

FAQs

What does "a certain stance" mean?

The phrase "a certain stance" refers to a particular position, viewpoint, or attitude that someone holds, often without being explicitly defined or detailed. It implies a recognizable but perhaps not fully articulated perspective.

How can I use "a certain stance" in a sentence?

You can use "a certain stance" to describe someone's attitude or position on an issue, like: "The politician adopted "a certain stance" on climate change that appealed to many voters."

What can I say instead of "a certain stance"?

You can use alternatives like "a specific position", "a particular viewpoint", or "a definite attitude" depending on the context.

Is it better to be explicit rather than using "a certain stance"?

In formal or academic writing, being explicit is often preferred for clarity. However, "a certain stance" can be useful when you want to acknowledge a position without fully defining it, leaving room for nuance or interpretation.