a shift of stance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a shift of stance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a change in opinion, position, or attitude regarding a particular issue or topic. Example: "The politician's recent speech indicated a significant shift of stance on environmental policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A shift of stance by Pakistan's government, away from outright hostility to a willingness to resolve Kashmir's place within India, might explain a change in the behaviour of even some militant groups.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Some advocates fear that his ambitions may lead to a shifting of that stance to avoid alienating moderate Republicans.

The New York Times

Modelling a shift of qualities.

SEP

However, the inclusion of wrestling represents a shift in stance from the IOC.

The Guardian - Sport

Still, his contention that he held off on downgrading Winstar because of pressure from bankers, looks like a shift in that stance.

The New York Times

These included a shift in his stance on the Vietnam War, a change of the military draft, and a reform of the Democratic machine politics.

Wikipedia

The SNP's decision to accept Labour's motion also signals a shift in its stance.

The Guardian

Just as there is stance for an argument, so too is there a type of stance towards a person.

Functional Linguistics

"There is a detectable shift in stance.

The Guardian - Business

His intervention produced a clear shift in stance from the first minister.

The Guardian

Last month its navy sent a patrol to the southernmost tip of the vast area claimed in the South China Sea where Brunei and Malaysia also have claims.A juvenile delinquent, but he's our juvenile delinquentIn fact, on North Korea, too, China is offering few signs of a fundamental shift in its stance.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a shift of stance" to denote a deliberate and noticeable change in someone's publicly declared position on a particular matter. It often implies a strategic or tactical adjustment rather than a complete change of heart.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "a shift of stance" can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "change of heart" or "different view" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

A shift of stance functions as a noun phrase that describes a change in someone's position, opinion, or attitude. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable in written English. The examples show it being used to describe changes in political and organizational contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a shift of stance" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a change in someone's position or attitude, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While more suited for formal writing and reporting, it can be replaced with simpler alternatives in informal conversation. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, implying a strategic adjustment rather than a fundamental change. Be mindful of the register and opt for more casual phrases when communicating in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a change of position

Focuses more on the physical or strategic relocation of a viewpoint.

a change in attitude

Highlights the emotional or dispositional alteration.

a modification of viewpoint

Emphasizes an adjustment to one's perspective or outlook.

an altered perspective

Stresses the adoption of a different way of seeing things.

a revised opinion

Indicates that one's belief has been updated or corrected.

a turnaround in policy

Highlights a complete reversal or significant alteration in established procedures.

a shift in approach

Describes a change in the method used to tackle a problem or situation.

a revised strategy

Focuses on a new plan of action designed to achieve a specific goal.

a change of heart

Implies an emotional or moral shift in one's feelings or convictions.

a departure from previous views

Highlights a clear break from formerly held beliefs or opinions.

FAQs

How can I use "a shift of stance" in a sentence?

You can use "a shift of stance" to describe a change in someone's opinion, position, or attitude. For example: "The politician's recent speech indicated a significant "a shift of stance" on environmental policies."

What are some alternatives to "a shift of stance"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a change of position", "a change in attitude", or "a revised opinion".

Is "a shift of stance" formal or informal language?

"A shift of stance" leans towards formal language. In more casual contexts, consider using phrases like "a change of heart" or "different view".

What does "a shift of stance" imply?

"A shift of stance" implies a deliberate and noticeable alteration in someone's publicly stated position. It often suggests a strategic or tactical adjustment rather than a fundamental change in beliefs.