a formal stance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formal stance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a position or viewpoint that is serious, official, or adheres to established protocols. Example: "The committee took a formal stance on the issue, emphasizing the importance of following the established guidelines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The group is close to Ms. Warren but has not taken a formal stance on the nomination.

The New York Times

Paul Deneve, the chief executive of Saint Laurent, has taken a formal stance against a WWD article published on Nov. 19.

The New York Times

The Vatican does not have a formal stance on the inclusion or exclusion of transgender people from the church.

Vice

But I have all but given up on you, as you equivocate on a formal stance against pornography.

Huffington Post

In 1999, Mr. Lady records (along with one of its artists, The Butchies), were involved in issues surrounding the debate as to whether transsexual women should be entitled to attend the Michigan Womyn's Music Festival, which had a formal stance against allowing transsexual and transgender women to attend the festival.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The practice does not have any formal stance against interracial marriage, and many Falun Gong practitioners have interracial children.

Wikipedia

New York City — where Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg this week announced a series of steps to prepare for a resurgence of the virus — has no formal stance on touching.

The New York Times - Health

Just a year ago, that was still Obama's formal stance.

The New York Times

As with a number of his policies, it is identical to the formal stance of his predecessor, John Major, though with the added conviction that arises from a huge parliamentary majority.

The Economist

"There is no formal stance," Fehr said.

The New York Times - Sports

This appears to suggest that the Vatican's formal stance of recognizing Taipei as the government of China is not meaningful.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a formal stance" when you need to communicate a serious, considered, and often official position on a particular issue.

Common error

Avoid using "a formal stance" in contexts that require a more casual or personal tone. This phrase is best suited for professional, academic, or official communications, and not for informal conversations or friendly correspondence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formal stance" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a particular position or attitude that is official, considered, and often documented. Ludwig examples show it's used in contexts involving organizations, governments, or individuals expressing well-defined views.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a formal stance" is a noun phrase used to describe a deliberate and official position on a specific issue. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears in sources like news articles, wikis, and scientific publications, indicating a professional or neutral register. While not very common, it serves to communicate a carefully considered viewpoint, distinguishing it from casual opinions. When writing, consider alternatives like "an official position" or "a declared policy" depending on context, and avoid using it in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an official position

Emphasizes the official or authorized nature of the stance.

a declared policy

Focuses on the policy aspect of the stance, implying a set of rules or guidelines.

a stated viewpoint

Highlights the expression of a particular opinion or perspective.

a firm position

Stresses the resolute and unwavering nature of the stance.

an established standpoint

Suggests that the stance is well-founded and recognized.

a public declaration

Implies that the stance has been communicated openly to a wider audience.

a definitive statement

Focuses on the clarity and conclusiveness of the expressed opinion.

an adopted attitude

Suggests a deliberate choice of a particular mindset or approach.

a set position

Indicates a predetermined and unchangeable stance.

a recognized posture

Highlights that the stance is acknowledged and accepted.

FAQs

How to use "a formal stance" in a sentence?

You can use "a formal stance" to describe an official position taken by an individual or organization. For example: "The company has taken "a formal stance" against discrimination in the workplace."

What can I say instead of "a formal stance"?

You can use alternatives like "an official position", "a declared policy", or "a stated viewpoint" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a formal stance" in informal conversation?

While grammatically correct, using "a formal stance" in informal conversations may sound overly stiff. Consider using less formal alternatives when communicating with friends or family.

What is the difference between "a formal stance" and "a strong opinion"?

"A formal stance" typically implies an official or carefully considered position, whereas "a strong opinion" simply indicates a firmly held belief, which may not be officially declared or supported by evidence.