a defensive posture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a defensive posture" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing strategies, behaviors, or attitudes that are protective or cautious in nature. Example: "In negotiations, adopting a defensive posture can help safeguard your interests against aggressive tactics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Play defense by taking a defensive posture from which to strike.

WikiHow

Halleck dispersed his armies and adopted a defensive posture.

The New York Times

"You're in a defensive posture, you're sacrificing mobility".

The New Yorker

In their playbook, that was a defensive posture.

The New York Times

Corporations are also striking a defensive posture, stockpiling cash at record levels.

The New York Times

Again and again, Kasparov found himself in a defensive posture as the clock ran down.

The New Yorker

It's as though actresses have adopted a defensive posture when it comes to dressing.

The New Yorker

A defensive posture helps peace and stability in the region, he added.

The New York Times

And he will bring a defensive posture to a team that ranked in the bottom third last season.

The New York Times - Sports

Like the black mamba, they will flatten their necks into a narrow hood as a defensive posture.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Even his players questioned Okada's shift from an attacking style to a defensive posture in the days before the tournament.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a defensive posture" when you want to convey a sense of strategic protection or cautious readiness in response to a perceived threat or challenge. This phrase is applicable across various fields, including politics, sports, and personal interactions.

Common error

Avoid using "a defensive posture" when describing proactive or aggressive actions. The phrase inherently implies a reactive stance, not an initiating one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a defensive posture" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the object of a verb (e.g., 'adopt', 'assume', 'take') or as a complement describing a state or action. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

11%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a defensive posture" is a commonly used phrase that accurately describes a reactive and protective stance. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in various sources, predominantly in news and media. This phrase is best used to portray a strategic response to perceived threats rather than initiating aggressive actions. Alternative phrases such as "a protective stance" or "a cautious approach" can be used depending on the specific context. Overall, understanding and using this phrase correctly enhances clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a protective stance

Replaces 'defensive' with 'protective', emphasizing the shielding aspect.

a prepared defense

Stresses the readiness and anticipation involved in defensive actions.

a guarded attitude

Focuses on the mental or emotional aspect of being defensive.

a cautious approach

Highlights the careful and wary nature of the action.

a reactionary position

Implies responding to an action or event with a defensive move.

a shielding strategy

Emphasizes the strategic aspect of protecting against potential harm.

a fortified situation

Suggests reinforcing one's position to withstand an attack or threat.

bracing for impact

Conveys a sense of preparing oneself for a negative event or outcome.

a fallback arrangement

Highlights a backup plan or safe option in case of failure.

a countermeasure strategy

Indicates a plan to counteract or defend against a specific threat.

FAQs

How can I use "a defensive posture" in a sentence?

You can use "a defensive posture" to describe a strategy, attitude, or physical stance taken to protect against a perceived threat. For example, "The company adopted "a defensive posture" in response to the market downturn."

What can I say instead of "a defensive posture"?

You can use alternatives like "a protective stance", "a guarded attitude", or "a cautious approach" depending on the specific context.

Is it ever appropriate to use "a defensive posture" in a business context?

Yes, it is appropriate when describing a company's strategy to mitigate risks or protect its market share. For example, "The corporation assumed "a defensive posture", stockpiling cash at record levels."

What's the difference between ""a defensive posture"" and "a proactive strategy"?

"A defensive posture" implies reacting to a threat or challenge, while "a proactive strategy" involves taking initiative to achieve a goal or prevent a problem before it arises.