a defensible position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a defensible position" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one is discussing a viewpoint or argument that can be justified or supported with evidence. Example: "In the debate about climate change, having a defensible position is crucial for persuading skeptics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

While controversial, this is a defensible position.

The Economist

Opposing further political integration is a defensible position.

The Guardian - Business

I would like to be unmeasured too, but it's not a defensible position".

The Guardian

When the great majority of people voted for either of the two main parties, that was a defensible position.

The Guardian - Opinion

That is a defensible position, in fact, but the book does not trouble to make the case.

The Economist

Though wars are complicated things, it's not hard to develop a defensible position about their legitimacy or illegitimacy.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

After six hours Hinde ordered a withdrawal to a more defensible position on a knoll west of Villers-Bocage.

Wikipedia

Shifting analogies in response to the liberal Protestant Jacquelot, who had criticized his fideism as renouncing reason altogether, Bayle explained that individual defeats of reason entailed only a retreat to a more defensible position, something that happens all the time in philosophy.

SEP

And speaking of that, adding to its value proposition and giving it a more defensible position in an attractive and growing market, Yottaa has been granted two patents, one being the aforementioned cloud routing technology, with a second granted in web performance and front-end optimization.

TechCrunch

To a point, his is a quite defensible position.

The New York Times

Yet just days before, the senior US military officer, general Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, had defended the Iraqi withdrawal as a strategic retreat to a more defensible position.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a defensible position" when you want to convey that a particular stance or strategy can be justified and maintained, even in the face of scrutiny or opposition.

Common error

Avoid presenting a viewpoint as "a defensible position" if it lacks sufficient evidence or relies on weak arguments. Ensure that your reasoning is sound and that you can adequately address opposing viewpoints.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a defensible position" functions as a noun phrase, where "defensible" modifies the noun "position". It typically serves to describe a stance or viewpoint that can be supported with evidence or reasoning. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a defensible position" is a commonly used phrase denoting a viewpoint or strategy supported by evidence and logic. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Predominantly found in news and media, scientific, and academic contexts, its function is to convey a reasoned and justifiable stance. When using this phrase, ensure your arguments are well-supported and address potential counterclaims. Alternative phrases include "a tenable argument" and "a justifiable stance". Remember to avoid overstating the defensibility if your evidence is weak. All the sources used are authoritative and the usage across different domains is consistent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tenable argument

Focuses on the argument itself being able to be maintained or defended.

a justifiable stance

Emphasizes the moral or ethical basis for the position.

a supportable viewpoint

Highlights that the viewpoint has evidence or reasoning to back it up.

a sustainable strategy

Implies a long-term viability and ability to be maintained, particularly in business or environmental contexts.

a well-reasoned opinion

Stresses the logical and rational basis for the opinion.

a valid claim

Suggests the claim is legitimate and legally sound.

a credible perspective

Highlights the trustworthiness and reliability of the perspective.

a reasonable approach

Emphasizes the practicality and common-sense nature of the approach.

a sound judgment

Focuses on the quality and reliability of the judgment made.

a maintainable thesis

Implies that the thesis can be consistently upheld and defended against counterarguments.

FAQs

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

You can use "a defensible position" to describe a viewpoint or strategy that can be justified with evidence. For example: "The company adopted "a defensible position" on environmental issues by investing in sustainable practices".

What's the difference between "a defensible position" and "an opinion"?

"An opinion" is a personal belief, while "a defensible position" suggests that the opinion is supported by evidence and reasoning and can be justified.

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

You can use alternatives like "a tenable argument", "a justifiable stance", or "a supportable viewpoint", depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to have "a defensible position"?

While not always necessary, having "a defensible position" is crucial when making arguments, advocating for a cause, or making decisions that may be challenged. It adds credibility and strengthens your case.