a clear position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clear position" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's stance or viewpoint on a particular issue, emphasizing that it is well-defined and understandable. Example: "In the debate, she presented a clear position on climate change that resonated with the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Neither the ACR nor the EASI/IUIS recommendations state a clear position towards cytoplasmic/mitotic apparatus patterns being considered ANA negative or positive [1, 6, 8].

Autoimmunity Highlights

The government has a clear position on torture.

The Guardian - Opinion

We have a clear position: we oppose the Israeli occupation.

The Guardian

He has tried to avoid articulating a clear position on 1070.

The New Yorker

"What killed him was his unwillingness to take a clear position," Oesterle said.

The New Yorker

Mitt Romney, the presumptive Republican nominee, has yet to settle on a clear position.

The New Yorker

"Reason enough for Germany to take up a clear position in its Russian policy".

The New York Times

The man simply could not take a clear position on any issue!

The New York Times

Many are ambivalent and have not yet taken a clear position.

The New York Times

But they don't already have a clear position on all the issues.

The Economist

Or, to put it differently, everyone else seems to have staked a clear position.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add more impact, follow "a clear position" with a concise explanation or justification to reinforce understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "a clear position" when the situation is complex and requires a nuanced perspective. Instead, acknowledge the complexities and explain the different aspects of the issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clear position" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb (e.g., "take a position", "state a position"). It describes a stance or viewpoint that is easily understood. As Ludwig AI shows, the phrase is used across many sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a clear position" is a commonly used and grammatically sound way to describe a distinct and easily understandable viewpoint. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to emphasize clarity and lack of ambiguity. While "a clear position" enjoys a neutral register appropriate for diverse contexts, from news to formal discussions, it is also used in day-to-day communication. For alternative expressions you may consider "a distinct position", "a definite stance" or "a well-defined position". As you write, remember that clarity is key: Ensure the position is genuinely clear and supported by evidence for maximum effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a distinct position

Emphasizes the uniqueness and separateness of the stance.

a definite stance

Highlights the firmness and certainty of the viewpoint.

a well-defined position

Focuses on the clarity and precision of the outlined stance.

an unambiguous position

Stresses the lack of ambiguity or uncertainty in the stance.

an explicit position

Highlights the openness and directness of the stated viewpoint.

a straightforward position

Emphasizes the simplicity and directness of the stance.

a precise viewpoint

Stresses the accuracy and attention to detail in the viewpoint.

a firm standpoint

Highlights the resoluteness and conviction behind the stance.

a decided opinion

Focuses on the conclusiveness and certainty of the opinion.

a settled conviction

Emphasizes the long-held and deeply ingrained nature of the belief.

FAQs

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

You can use "a clear position" to describe someone's stance on an issue, for example: "The government has "a clear position" on the matter." or "She needs to take "a clear position" on this controversial issue."

What are some alternatives to saying "a clear position"?

You can use alternatives like "a definite stance", "a distinct viewpoint", or "a well-defined position" depending on the context. Each alternative emphasizes a slightly different aspect of having a firm and understandable opinion.

When is it appropriate to use "a clear position" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "a clear position" when you want to highlight that someone has a well-defined and easily understandable opinion or stance on a particular issue. It's especially useful when clarity is important or when contrasting it with ambiguity.

Is "a clear position" the same as "an opinion"?

While related, "a clear position" implies more than just an opinion. It suggests that the opinion is well-defined, easily understood, and potentially supported by reasoning or evidence. It emphasizes the clarity and understandability of the viewpoint, which is not always the case with simply having an opinion.