a stance on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a stance on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's position or opinion regarding a particular issue or topic. Example: "The politician took a clear stance on climate change during the debate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Pacquiao is also an elected official, Arum said, and thus should be allowed to take a stance on social issues, even an unpopular one.

The New York Times - Sports

The California Teachers Association has yet to take a stance on the pilot, but at least one faculty member suspects the announcement was timed to subvert opposition.

TechCrunch

Airbnb is one of the latest companies to take a stance on Trump's anti-Muslim efforts.

Huffington Post

The guild has not taken a stance on parbaking.

The New York Times - Food

"The football team took a stance on what we thought was right," Smith said.

The New York Times - Sports

A stance on reclamation, as opposed to protection, looks good on a traditional-music band.

The New York Times - Arts

We're not taking a stance on whether Kimberly-Clark's business model is a good thing.

The Guardian

The EU has not taken a stance on the language law.

The Economist

"It was the first time that Japanese royalty had taken a stance on a wildlife issue.

The Economist

During the meeting the firm appeared to soften a stance on changing its recipe.

The Guardian - Business

Should the trust be taking a stance on different energy technologies?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a stance on", ensure that the subject taking the stance and the issue they are taking a stance on are clearly identified in the sentence to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a stance on" without specifying the topic or issue being addressed. Ensure the sentence clearly articulates what the stance pertains to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a stance on" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a subject's viewpoint, opinion, or position regarding a specific matter. Ludwig AI confirms that it's a standard construction used to denote a deliberate and often public expression of belief.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a stance on" is a common phrase used to express a viewpoint or opinion on a particular issue. Ludwig AI validates that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news, media and scientific contexts. While alternatives like "a position on" or "an opinion on" exist, "a stance on" often implies a more public declaration. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly identifies both the subject and the issue to avoid ambiguity. The abundance of real-world examples provided demonstrates its versatility and consistent application across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A position on

Replaces "stance" with "position", indicating a viewpoint or attitude.

A stand on

Uses "stand" as a synonym for "stance", indicating a firm position.

An opinion on

Replaces "stance" with "opinion", suggesting a belief or judgment.

A viewpoint on

Uses "viewpoint" instead of "stance", emphasizing a perspective or way of seeing something.

A perspective on

Emphasizes a particular way of regarding or considering something.

An attitude toward

Focuses on the emotional or behavioral component of the stance.

A belief about

Focuses on the belief component of the stance.

A conviction regarding

Highlights a strongly held belief or opinion.

A judgment on

Indicates a formal or considered opinion.

A policy on

Specifies that the stance is related to a rule or guideline.

FAQs

What is the difference between "a position on" and "a stance on"?

While both phrases are similar, "a stance on" often implies a more public or declared opinion, whereas "a position on" can be more general and may not necessarily be publicly expressed.

How do I use "a stance on" in a sentence?

You can use "a stance on" to describe someone's opinion or attitude toward a specific issue. For example: "The politician took a clear stance on environmental protection."

What are some alternatives to "a stance on"?

You can use alternatives like "an opinion on", "a viewpoint on", or "a stand on" depending on the context.

Is it better to "take a stance" or "have a stance" on an issue?

"Take a stance" implies a more active and deliberate decision to express an opinion, while "have a stance" simply indicates possessing an opinion. The best choice depends on the intended meaning.