a firm position

USAGE SUMMARY

"a firm position" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe a stance on an issue in which a person is not open to negotiation or compromise. For example, "John took a firm position against the proposed changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

City's position of financial strength enables them to take a firm position.

Independent

"He recognised that the festival had to take a firm position in regards to his comments".

The Guardian - Film

Mr. Fernandes staked out a firm position, spelling out two conditions for withdrawing India's troops.

The New York Times

And so it is, for better or worse, that she rarely takes a firm position about her subject.

The Economist

Mr. Vallone and Mr. Badillo oppose gay marriages, while Mr. Bloomberg has not taken a firm position.

The New York Times

Clearly the Authors Guild wants to take a firm position early about the emerging technology, but this campaign seems misguided.

The Guardian - Tech

Of course, it's easy for me to take a firm position on a controversial subject like this.

The Washington Post

Combining these results with a relatively low price per launch and short deployment time gives a possibility to establish a firm position on the dynamic market.

Aerospace Science and Technology

When a negotiator realizes that staking a firm position was a mistake, the prospect of an embarrassing surrender could make him even more resistant to backing down.

Harvard University

But is she overplaying her hand by taking such a firm position on the small, if symbolic, matter of the oath?

The New York Times

In response to the Times questionnaire, Ms. Quinn said that she had not taken a firm position because a formal stadium proposal had yet to be submitted.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a firm position" when you want to convey a sense of conviction and determination in one's stance on a particular issue. It suggests that the person is unlikely to be swayed or easily influenced.

Common error

Avoid using "a firm position" when a more flexible or open-minded approach is intended. It can come across as stubborn or unwilling to compromise if used inappropriately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a firm position" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., 'take', 'hold', 'establish') or as a complement to a preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, providing numerous examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a firm position" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that signifies a clear, resolute stance on a particular issue. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly found in news media, academic writing, and other formal contexts. When using this phrase, aim to convey conviction and determination, but be mindful of the potential for appearing inflexible. Alternatives such as "a definite stance" or "an unwavering commitment" may be more appropriate in certain situations. Remember that selecting an adequate alternative depends on the specific context in order to convey or highlight only certain aspects of the stance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a definite stance

Emphasizes clarity and lack of ambiguity in the viewpoint.

a resolute attitude

Highlights the unwavering and determined nature of the perspective.

an unwavering commitment

Stresses dedication and loyalty to a cause or belief.

a solid standpoint

Indicates a well-reasoned and defensible perspective.

an entrenched view

Implies a deeply held and resistant perspective.

a steadfast opinion

Focuses on the unchanging nature of the belief.

a rigid conviction

Suggests an inflexible and unwavering belief.

a decisive viewpoint

Emphasizes the conclusive and unambiguous nature of the perspective.

a categorical assertion

Highlights the forceful and unambiguous declaration.

an uncompromising approach

Focuses on the unwillingness to make concessions.

FAQs

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

You can use "a firm position" to describe someone's stance on an issue, for example: "The company took a firm position against the proposed regulations".

What's a good alternative to "a firm position"?

Alternatives include "a definite stance", "a resolute attitude", or "an unwavering commitment" depending on the context.

Is it better to take "a firm position" or remain neutral?

Whether to take "a firm position" or remain neutral depends on the situation. Taking a firm position demonstrates conviction but may alienate some, while neutrality avoids conflict but may be seen as indecisive.

How does taking "a firm position" affect negotiations?

Taking "a firm position" in negotiations can signal strength and determination, but it may also hinder compromise and make it more difficult to reach an agreement.