a passive stance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a passive stance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a position or attitude that is non-confrontational or lacking in assertiveness. Example: "In negotiations, adopting a passive stance may lead to unfavorable outcomes if one does not advocate for their interests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

With so many ideas pouring in, Kickstarter could adopt a passive stance and simply let "the Internet" take over.

The New York Times - Magazine

This year, the Taliban are taking a "passive stance" toward cultivation, apparently putting less pressure on Afghan farmers to plant opium poppy.

The New York Times

But the crowd did not disperse, and in fact seemed in no danger: The soldiers adopted a passive stance, turning off their vehicles, climbing on top and removing the magazines from their rifles.

The New York Times

Ms. Schapiro has also fended off complaints that she took a passive stance with the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act, a deregulatory effort aimed at increasing investment in small businesses.

The New York Times

Therefore, the vibe of the composition should convey a sense of urgency, lending the impression that it is impossible to hold a passive stance regarding the social, ethnic and economic events taking place in Pakistan.

University of Chicago

Luckily for the Empire, Theophobos maintained a passive stance and made no move to confront Theophilos or join Mu'tasim.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

PAGE A9 ACTING ON CLIMATE WITH CAUTION President Obama came to office promising swift action to combat global climate change, and yet the administration has taken a rather passive stance on the issue, remaining aloof from the details of major energy and climate legislation now in Congress.

The New York Times

The Clinton Administration has adopted a more passive stance at the precise moment that it expanded the military role of the United Nations.

Los Angeles Times

The Department of Justice, which under Attorney General Jeff Sessions has taken a more passive stance on voting rights, declined to comment on Monday's news.

Huffington Post

"The United States has long said it remains neutral in the dispute and has essentially taken a pretty passive stance as to what's going on in the South China Sea," Michael Mazza, a research fellow with American Enterprise Institute, told VICE News.

Vice

Participants could be broadly categorised into those who actively sought out information about CAM (pro-active seekers) and those who took a more passive stance and simply picked up information that came their way (passive recipients) (see Appendix 6).

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a strategic decision, consider whether "a passive stance" is the most effective approach, or if a more proactive strategy would yield better results.

Common error

Avoid using "a passive stance" when the situation calls for strategic patience. Passivity implies inaction and indifference, while strategic patience involves calculated restraint with a clear goal in mind.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a passive stance" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb (e.g., "adopt", "take", "maintain"). It describes a manner or attitude, indicating a lack of active engagement or intervention, as confirmed by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a passive stance" is a noun phrase denoting a lack of active involvement or intervention. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While the phrase carries a neutral tone and appears in diverse sources, including news and scientific publications, its suitability depends on the context. Alternatives like "an inactive position" or "a hands-off approach" may offer nuanced ways to express the same idea. Remember, choosing "a passive stance" should be a deliberate decision, not an oversight, ensuring that it aligns with the intended strategy or message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an inactive position

Emphasizes lack of activity or engagement.

a hands-off approach

Suggests non-interference or minimal intervention.

a detached attitude

Highlights emotional or personal disengagement.

a non-interventionist policy

Implies a deliberate choice not to get involved.

a laissez-faire posture

Indicates a policy of minimal regulation or interference.

a receptive but unengaged position

Signifies openness without active participation.

a neutral disposition

Highlights impartiality and lack of bias.

an acquiescent demeanor

Suggests willingness to agree or comply without resistance.

a yielding attitude

Indicates a tendency to give way to others' opinions or demands.

a deferential position

Implies respect for authority and a willingness to submit.

FAQs

How can I use "a passive stance" in a sentence?

You can use "a passive stance" to describe an attitude of non-interference or lack of active involvement. For example: "The government adopted a passive stance on the issue of climate change."

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

You can use alternatives like "an inactive position", "a hands-off approach", or "a detached attitude" depending on the specific context.

Is "a passive stance" a negative trait?

Whether "a passive stance" is negative depends on the context. In some situations, it might be seen as a lack of initiative or responsibility. However, in other cases, it might be a strategic choice to avoid unnecessary conflict or intervention.

What's the difference between "a passive stance" and "a proactive stance"?

"A passive stance" indicates a lack of active involvement, while "a proactive stance" implies taking initiative and actively working towards a goal. A proactive approach involves anticipating problems and taking steps to prevent them, while "a passive stance" involves reacting to events as they occur.