a common position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common position" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a widely accepted viewpoint or stance on a particular issue or topic. Example: "The committee reached a common position on the need for environmental sustainability in their policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"They don't yet have a common position".

The New York Times

The European Union failed to come to a common position.

The New York Times

It's a common position for him to take: dead centre, but not quite in the limelight.

The Guardian - Film

The split meant 16 finance ministers could not agree a common position before the summit.

The Guardian

There is not a lot of time left for the world to forge a common position.

The New York Times

The premiers apparently failed to reach a common position at their meeting this week.

The New York Times

He is pleased to be part of a common position on Palestinian statehood.

The Guardian

The London meeting was intended to decide on a common position among the nations.

The New York Times

Much depends on whether the G20 group of prominent developing countries can forge a common position.

The Economist

The foreign ministers of Western powers and Russia reached a common position in June.

The New York Times

In Europe, the sheer number of Internet providers makes it difficult to find a common position.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To demonstrate unity within an organization or group, employ "a common position" to highlight agreement on key issues. For example, "Despite initial disagreements, the board members were able to reach a common position on the company's strategic direction."

Common error

Avoid using "a common position" in casual conversations or informal writing where simpler phrases like "we agree" or "we're on the same page" would be more appropriate. The phrase is more suited to formal or professional settings.

Linguistic Context

Noun phrase functioning as a subject complement or object. The phrase "a common position" typically identifies a shared viewpoint, agreement, or stance on a specific issue, reflecting a consensus achieved among multiple parties. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a common position" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe a shared stance or agreement among multiple parties. Predominantly found in news and media, formal business, and scientific contexts, as observed from Ludwig examples, it effectively conveys consensus or alignment on specific issues. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. Alternatives include "a shared understanding" or "a consensus view", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using the phrase, it's best suited for formal or professional settings and should be avoided in casual conversation where simpler alternatives suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a mutual agreement

Stresses the reciprocal nature of the agreement between parties.

a joint position

Similar to the original, but emphasizes collaboration and partnership in forming the position.

a unified stance

Emphasizes the solidarity and agreement of a group, particularly in the face of opposition.

a unified front

Implies a united and cohesive stance, especially when facing opposition or challenges.

a consensus view

Implies a general agreement reached after discussion and consideration of different opinions.

a shared perspective

Emphasizes the commonality in how different parties view a particular issue.

an agreed-upon viewpoint

Highlights the process of reaching an agreement on a particular perspective.

a collective decision

Focuses on the decision-making process involving multiple individuals or entities.

a shared understanding

Focuses on mutual comprehension rather than a formally agreed-upon stance.

a coordinated approach

Highlights the planned and organized nature of the agreement, often in a strategic context.

FAQs

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

You can use "a common position" to describe an agreement or consensus reached by a group or organization on a specific issue. For example, "The countries involved were able to reach "a common position" on trade regulations".

What's the difference between "a common position" and "a shared understanding"?

"A common position" implies a formal agreement or stance that has been decided upon, whereas "a shared understanding" suggests a mutual comprehension of a situation without necessarily implying a formal agreement.

What can I say instead of "a common position"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a unified stance", "a consensus view", or "a mutual agreement".

Is "a common position" suitable for academic writing?

Yes, "a common position" is suitable for academic writing, especially when discussing international relations, political science, or any field where groups need to align on specific issues. Its formality lends itself well to academic discourse.