a few stances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few stances" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of positions or viewpoints on a particular issue or topic. Example: "In the debate, the speaker presented a few stances on climate change that sparked further discussion among the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Then Paladino took out the bat; tried out a few stances; swung it a little too widely.

The New Yorker

That's similar to the score of Senator Rob Portman of Ohio, who has a few stances where he breaks from his party but is otherwise quite conservative.

The New York Times

"I've begun to incorporate a few stances and moves that seem to fit with being a badass alien hellbent on bass destruction".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

In a fraught election season, there are quite likely few stances as uncontroversial as a populist knock against the city's parking rules.

The New York Times

Donald Trump veered wildly during the campaign, but one of the few stances he maintained with iron consistency was his admiration for Putin.

The Guardian - Opinion

A few years earlier these stances would have been seen as betrayals of the evangelical Christians who were at the centre of the party's electoral strategy.

The Economist

Ferguson switches stances a few times after that.

Los Angeles Times

They reiterated the stance a few months later, saying that "retaining Xstrata's proven management team is essential for the success of the merger".

The New York Times

Once a GOP stronghold, his district has become a swing district with a growing Latino population, leading Coffman to shift to a more pro-immigration stance a few years ago.

Huffington Post

There are a few very important batting stance tips to keep in mind every time you go up to hit.

WikiHow

Privately, Mr. Bloomberg's supporters and advisers say that the mayor's stances on a few hot-button issues are beside the point.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a few stances", ensure the context clarifies whether you're referring to physical postures, opinions, or positions on an issue.

Common error

Avoid using "a few stances" without clearly indicating whether you're referring to physical positions, opinions, or positions on a matter to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few stances" typically functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a few stances" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to refer to a limited number of viewpoints, physical positions, or attitudes. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. Its neutral register makes it suitable for many contexts, as evidenced by its appearance in news media and general articles. While grammatically correct, clarity regarding the context (physical vs. ideological) is important to prevent confusion. Consider "several positions" or "a couple of viewpoints" as alternatives, depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several positions

Emphasizes a slightly larger quantity than "a few".

a limited number of perspectives

Stresses the restricted quantity of viewpoints.

a couple of viewpoints

Highlights the limited number of opinions.

a handful of positions

Uses a more informal way to indicate a small number of positions.

some attitudes

Refers to underlying feelings or opinions.

a small number of attitudes

Highlights the limited amount of attitudes.

limited attitudes

Directly indicates restricted attitudes.

various postures

Implies physical positions or ways of holding oneself.

diverse viewpoints

Focuses more on the variety than the quantity.

a selection of postures

Implies a deliberate choice from a range of postures.

FAQs

How can I use "a few stances" in a sentence?

You can use "a few stances" to describe different viewpoints on a topic. For example, "The politician presented "a few stances" on healthcare reform during the debate." Alternatively, it could describe physical positions, such as "The martial artist demonstrated "a few stances" during the training session."

What are some alternatives to "a few stances"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "several positions", "a couple of viewpoints", or "some attitudes".

When is it appropriate to use "a few stances"?

It's appropriate when you want to indicate that there are multiple, but not many, viewpoints, positions, or physical postures to consider.

Is "a few stances" formal or informal language?

The phrase "a few stances" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives may be preferred in some situations.