adopt a position on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "adopt a position on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing opinions, stances, or viewpoints on a particular issue or topic. Example: "The committee decided to adopt a position on climate change, emphasizing the need for immediate action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The union for professionals, which represents scientists, engineers, managers and other specialists, did not adopt a position on the referendum other than to promote evidence-based debate.

The Guardian

"And therefore this is we've been successful in persuading our colleagues of the Board to adopt a position on the intersection of consumer protection, competition rules and data protection.

TechCrunch

"Despite the loud noise they make about the fight against terrorism, US and European governments not only meet Daesh terrorists, but they provide them with weapons and financial support.. When the US and European governments fail to adopt a position on all these terrorist crimes committed in Iraq, it clearly shows that they support the terrorists and Daesh is their tool".

BBC

Politicians and pundits tend to adopt a position on how much is enough and argue their position in simplistic sound bites and talking points.

Huffington Post

In addition Parliament will adopt a position on dates for next year's European elections.

European Parliament

They will also debate proposals on banking supervision in the EU, adopt a position on the upcoming negotiations for a free trade agreement with the US as well as vote on two draft resolutions concerning media freedom and improved media education.

European Parliament

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The competing proposition, affirming the need for global population stabilization but disavowing any club policy on immigration levels, was put on the ballot by the board of directors, which two years ago adopted a position of neutrality on immigration issues without putting the question to a membership vote.

The New York Times

And it's not because he's adopted a position on welfare.

The Guardian

Palmerston, whose maiden speech in February 1808 had been a defense of a British attack on the Danish fleet to deny it to Napoleon, became in Cabinet entranced with foreign affairs and adopted a position on events in Greece and Portugal in advance of the other Canningites.

Encyclopedia Britannica

James Mure QC told the court that the concept of an "effective ban" was PR "gloss" and "the language of a press statement" - adding that ministers "have not yet adopted a position" on fracking.

BBC

The UNGASS 2016 drug summit presents an opportunity for this body to do the right thing by adopting a position on drugs that is consistent with evidence, decreases racial discrimination and enhances the humane treatment of people who use drugs.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "adopt a position on", ensure the subject has the authority or capacity to make such a decision. For example, "The committee adopted a position on the new regulations."

Common error

Avoid attributing a position to an entity that cannot reasonably hold or express one. Saying "The weather adopted a position on climate change" is nonsensical because the weather is not an entity capable of adopting positions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adopt a position on" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of forming or taking on a specific viewpoint or stance regarding a particular matter. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "adopt a position on" is used to indicate the act of forming or taking a specific stance on an issue. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase as grammatically correct and acceptable for use in writing. Although it is not overly frequent, the phrase is commonly used in news, business, and scientific contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure that the subject is capable of forming or expressing a position, and consider alternatives like ""take a stand on"" or "form an opinion on" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a stand on

Emphasizes publicly declaring a viewpoint, often in support of something.

form an opinion on

Focuses on the internal process of developing a viewpoint.

develop a stance on

Highlights the gradual development of a position.

take a viewpoint on

Focuses on considering a matter from one specific angle.

express an opinion on

Emphasizes the communication of an already formed opinion.

come to a conclusion about

Highlights reaching a decision after consideration.

arrive at a judgment regarding

Formally indicates reaching a reasoned decision.

determine one's attitude toward

Highlights the establishment of an overall feeling or orientation.

embrace a perspective on

Suggests willingly accepting and supporting a specific viewpoint.

establish a policy regarding

More formal; implies creating official guidelines or rules.

FAQs

How can I use "adopt a position on" in a sentence?

Use "adopt a position on" to indicate that someone or a group has taken or formed a particular stance or viewpoint on an issue. For instance, "The government needs to "take a stand on" the matter."

What's the difference between "adopt a position on" and "take a stance on"?

"Adopt a position on" and "take a stance on" are quite similar. "Take a stance on" often implies a more public or forceful declaration of one's position, while "adopt a position on" can be more general and may refer to forming an internal opinion as well.

What can I say instead of "adopt a position on"?

You can use alternatives such as "form an opinion on", "develop a stance on", or "express an opinion on" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to "adopt a position on" every issue?

No, it is not always necessary. Whether to "adopt a position on" an issue depends on individual circumstances, responsibilities, and the relevance of the issue. Sometimes, remaining neutral or refraining from taking a public position is more appropriate.