default position

USAGE SUMMARY

'default position' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a usual, expected or standard way of doing or thinking about something. For example, "The company's default position on smoking was 'no smoking allowed' in the office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's their default position".

The New York Times

That's my default position.

The Guardian

Their default position is triumphalism.

The New York Times

There is a default position.

The Guardian

This is the default position.

The Guardian - Business

Trust was the default position.

The New York Times - Magazine

He was a default position.

The New York Times - Magazine

This, too, is Russell's default position.

The New Yorker

Thus the default position is female.

The Economist

Dithering inaction was his default position".

The Guardian - Sport

The default position is to feed.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "default position", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to a commonly held belief, a standard procedure, or a pre-set configuration. This will help avoid ambiguity and ensure your message is understood correctly.

Common error

Avoid using "default position" when you actually mean a compromise or middle-ground solution. The "default position" refers to a pre-existing or standard state, while a compromise is a negotiated agreement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "default position" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a predetermined or standard approach, attitude, or setting. As shown by Ludwig AI, this phrase is used across various contexts to denote a baseline or starting point.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "default position" is a commonly used noun phrase that denotes a standard or expected approach, belief, or setting. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted in formal and neutral contexts. It's primarily used in news, media, and scientific domains to describe baseline attitudes, standard procedures, and pre-set configurations. When using "default position", ensure clarity in your context to avoid confusion with compromise or alternative solutions. Remember to consider the setting and audience to make sure the tone and register are appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fallback option

Highlights the alternative that is chosen if the first choice is not available.

usual stance

Focuses on the typical or common attitude or opinion held.

typical approach

Highlights the common way of handling a situation or problem.

standard procedure

Emphasizes the established method or protocol followed in a particular situation.

baseline attitude

Refers to the fundamental or underlying perspective that someone holds.

go-to strategy

Implies a reliable and frequently used method for achieving a goal.

established norm

Focuses on the accepted standard or pattern of behavior in a group or society.

automatic response

Suggests a reaction that occurs without conscious thought or effort.

conventional wisdom

Emphasizes beliefs that are widely accepted as true, but are not necessarily so.

initial setting

Highlights the starting point or original configuration of something.

FAQs

How is "default position" used in a sentence?

The phrase "default position" describes a standard or expected approach, belief, or setting. For instance, "The company's "default position" is to prioritize customer satisfaction".

What phrases are similar to "default position"?

Alternatives to "default position" include "standard procedure", "typical approach", or "usual stance". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "default position" formal or informal?

"Default position" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it is most common in news, business, and academic settings. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding language than the phrase itself.

What's the difference between "default position" and "fallback option"?

While both terms relate to choices, "default position" refers to the initial or expected action/belief, whereas "fallback option" describes an alternative used when the preferred option isn't available.