adopt a stance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'adopt a stance' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that someone has chosen a specific attitude or opinion, especially in a situation that involves disagreement or debate. For example, "The manager adopted a firm stance on the proposed changes, insisting that they would be beneficial in the long run."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

"Join in the spirit of Garma and do not adopt a stance of critical cynicism and arrogance," she said.

The Guardian

We adopt a stance, he argues, a predictive strategy of interpretation that presupposes the rationality of the people or other entities we are hoping to understand and predict.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It says that it would adopt a stance similar to that of Norway and Denmark, two NATO members that neither possess nor host nuclear weapons.

The New Yorker

He did persuade it to abandon its formal "equidistance" between the Conservatives and Labour, and to adopt a stance of "constructive opposition" to the new government.

The Economist

The current co-chair of the talks, Irish foreign minister Charlie Flanagan, said Brokenshire must "adopt a stance of rigorous impartiality" in Belfast.

The Guardian

Now, Professor Mirel said, "there's a great deal of reticence among teachers to make a value judgment, to adopt a stance they feel would be perceived as arrogant or absolute".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

"Unlike the Congressional Democrats, he adopted a stance of confronting Bush on Iraq," Mr. West said.

The New York Times

Ashley wrote: "I was disgusted to learn that you have adopted a stance that is deliberately antagonistic".

The Guardian - Business

Once the civil war was under way, Britain adopted a stance which the Labour peer Lord Strabolgi called "malevolent neutrality".

The Guardian - Books

Over the years, he did beef up SAC's compliance department, but its staff appears to have adopted a stance of "See no evil, hear no evil".

The New Yorker

When the next guru was also jailed, the Sikhs adopted a stance of defensive militarism and a new social ideal: the soldier-saint.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "adopt a stance", ensure the context clearly indicates the subject's conscious decision to embrace a particular viewpoint or attitude.

Common error

Avoid using "adopt a stance" when you mean to describe a physical action or posture. "Stance" implies a mental or ideological position, not a literal one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adopt a stance" functions as a verb phrase, where "adopt" is the verb and "a stance" is the noun phrase acting as the object. The phrase signifies the act of choosing or assuming a particular attitude, opinion, or viewpoint. Examples from Ludwig AI demonstrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

20%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "adopt a stance" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that signifies the act of choosing or assuming a specific viewpoint or position. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is frequently employed across diverse contexts, including news media, academia, and science, with a neutral register suitable for general and professional communication. When using "adopt a stance", ensure clarity in conveying the conscious decision to embrace a specific viewpoint, while avoiding confusion with physical actions. Alternatives such as "take a position" or "assume an attitude" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a position

Focuses more on the declared viewpoint.

assume an attitude

Emphasizes the adoption of a mental state or feeling.

embrace a viewpoint

Highlights the acceptance of a particular perspective.

formulate an opinion

Stresses the process of developing a personal judgment.

develop a perspective

Focuses on how a particular understanding or outlook is cultivated.

take a stand

Implies a more forceful and public declaration of one's view.

adopt an approach

More suitable when referring to a method or strategy.

choose a side

Suggests alignment with one party in a dispute.

express a view

More about vocalizing an already existing point of view.

establish a footing

Related to strategy and not really an opinion.

FAQs

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

You can use "adopt a stance" to describe someone choosing a specific viewpoint or attitude, as in, "The government needs to "adopt a stance" on climate change."

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

You can use alternatives like "take a position", "assume an attitude", or "embrace a viewpoint" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "adopt a stance" or "take a stand"?

While similar, "adopt a stance" implies choosing a position, whereas "take a stand" suggests a more forceful and public declaration or defense of that position.

Which is correct, "adopt a stance" or "adopt position"?

"Adopt a stance" is the idiomatic expression. "Adopt position" is less common but can be used when referring to taking a physical location.