clarify your position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clarify your position" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to explain their stance or viewpoint on a particular issue or topic. Example: "In order to move forward with the discussion, could you please clarify your position on the proposed changes?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The letter stated: "We therefore urge you to clarify your position on superdelegates and reflect in your comments a more open view to the optional independent actions of each of the delegates at the National Convention in August".

The New York Times

"We therefore urge you to clarify your position on super-delegates and reflect in your comments a more open view to the optional independent actions of each of the delegates at the National Convention in August," the letter stated.

The New York Times

"Can you clarify your position so you aren't misquoted tomorrow?" "It means, please stop 'liking' everything I post on Facebook, Dad.

Huffington Post

Gandhi put it so well: "An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind". Sure, you need to clarify your position, stand up for yourself, set boundaries, speak truth to power.

HuffPost

Clarify your position.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"You can waste days and months talking about things, clarifying your position, defending your position," Mr. Shikaki said.

The New York Times

Your incessant need to re-clarify your position on something that you never should have been so exclusionary in the first place, is now beginning to harm your legitimacy as a Christian leader.

Huffington Post

Be aware that she may continue to resent you for speaking your mind in an assertive and self-effective way but this shouldn't stop you from clarifying your position.

WikiHow

You want to let the person know immediately what you want to talk about; not only is it a professional way to begin the conversation, but it clarifies your position.

WikiHow

Remove ambiguous language to clarify your exact position.

WikiHow

When you're negotiating with a fellow cooperator, include value-claiming behaviors in your repertoire: make offers that focus on a single issue, communicate your own preferences and positions, and clarify your limits.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clarify your position" when you need someone to explicitly state their opinion or stance, especially in situations where their views might be unclear or open to interpretation.

Common error

Avoid following up the request to "clarify your position" with equally ambiguous language. Frame specific questions to guide the response and ensure you receive the details you need.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clarify your position" functions as an imperative, urging someone to make their stance or viewpoint more understandable and less ambiguous. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Academia

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "clarify your position" is a grammatically sound and acceptable request for someone to make their viewpoint more understandable. While Ludwig AI identifies the phrase as correct, it is relatively uncommon, frequently appearing in news reports, wiki articles, and formal business communications. For more formal settings, consider using alternatives like "elucidate your viewpoint". Always ensure specificity in your request to avoid further ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarify where you stand

Uses a more idiomatic expression to request clarification.

make your stance clear

Directly asks for clarity in one's opinion or attitude.

explain your stance

Focuses on providing an explanation of one's viewpoint, removing the ambiguity.

express your position clearly

Combines the act of expressing with the need for clarity.

define your position

Emphasizes the act of setting boundaries and establishing a clear understanding of a particular standpoint.

what's your position?

A direct and concise way to ask about someone's stance.

articulate your viewpoint

Focuses on the ability to express one's perspective effectively and understandably.

elucidate your viewpoint

A more formal way of asking someone to clarify their perspective, often used in academic or professional settings.

state your position plainly

Highlights the need for a straightforward and uncomplicated declaration.

spell out your position

Implies a need for a very detailed and unambiguous explanation.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to ask someone to "clarify your position"?

It's appropriate to use "clarify your position" when someone's stance on a topic is ambiguous, contradictory, or needs further explanation. It's useful in debates, discussions, or when seeking a formal statement.

Are there more formal alternatives to "clarify your position"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include "elucidate your viewpoint", "define your stance", or "articulate your perspective".

How does "clarify your position" differ from "explain your stance"?

"Explain your stance" is a general request for an explanation. "Clarify your position" implies that the current position is unclear and requires further definition, highlighting the need to remove ambiguity.

What's a less direct way to ask someone to "clarify your position"?

You could use phrases like "Could you elaborate on that?" or "Can you provide more detail about your views?" instead of directly asking them to "clarify your position".