defend your position

USAGE SUMMARY

"defend your position" is a correct, usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to encourage someone to give an argument or explanation for a particular stance they have on an issue. For example, you could say: "Please defend your position on this matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

You are prepared to defend your position.

The Guardian - Books

"One precedent can erode your ability to defend your position".

The Guardian - Opinion

He believed in theory, and you had to defend your position".

The New York Times - Arts

"Hillary called him and said, 'Please appoint me to this and I'll defend your position,' "the judge's friend said.

The New Yorker

None of us has a problem with their thinking differently, but we do have a problem with not being able to defend your position.

The New York Times

I'm sure it's happened to you: You're in a tense team meeting trying to defend your position on a big project and start to feel yourself losing ground.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Be prepared to defend your positions if they disagree with you on certain interpretive aspects.

WikiHow

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

The New York Times

Mr. Golkarieh, the Canadian-Iranian, said that "defending your position in a setting like this — it makes you stress-test your assumptions".

The New York Times

I guess what I'm saying here is that you should rely on scholars and their evidence in defending your position in an academic paper.

Stanford University

Then you, the parent, speak, giving your opinion without defending your position for the same allotted time.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience when defending your position. Tailor your language and arguments to resonate with their values and understanding.

Common error

Avoid simply restating your viewpoint without addressing opposing arguments. Acknowledge and refute counterclaims to strengthen your defense. For instance, present your argument acknowledging counterclaims showing that you have considered different points of view.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defend your position" primarily functions as an imperative, urging someone to provide justification or support for their viewpoint. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, highlighting its role in encouraging reasoned argumentation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "defend your position" is a common and grammatically correct imperative used to encourage individuals to provide justification and support for their viewpoints. As Ludwig AI confirms, its purpose is to promote reasoned argumentation in various contexts, including news, academic discussions, and professional settings. While alternatives like "substantiate your position" or "justify your stance" may be used depending on the specific situation, the core message remains the same: provide a well-reasoned explanation for your stance. Remember to acknowledge and refute counterarguments to strengthen your defense.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Substantiate your position

Replaces "defend" with a term emphasizing evidence and factual support.

Justify your stance

Focuses on providing reasons to show the correctness of a viewpoint.

Support your argument

Shifts focus to backing up a claim with logical reasoning and evidence.

Uphold your viewpoint

Implies maintaining a consistent and unwavering support for a belief.

Assert your perspective

Highlights the act of confidently stating and promoting a personal opinion.

Validate your opinion

Stresses the importance of confirming the accuracy and legitimacy of a belief.

Plead your case

Suggests a more formal or persuasive approach to advocating for a cause.

Argue your point

Directs attention to the act of presenting a reasoned case in a discussion.

Maintain your ground

Emphasizes the idea of not yielding or changing one's position in the face of opposition.

Stand by your convictions

Implies unwavering adherence to one's beliefs, even when challenged.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "defend your position" in a sentence?

Use "defend your position" when you want someone to provide reasons or evidence to support their viewpoint, as in "Be prepared to defend your position during the debate".

What are some alternatives to "defend your position"?

You can use alternatives like "substantiate your position", "justify your stance", or "support your argument" depending on the context.

Is it better to "defend your position" or "advocate your position"?

"Defend your position" implies responding to challenges, while "advocate your position" suggests actively promoting it. The best choice depends on whether you are responding to opposition or proactively expressing your viewpoint.

When is it appropriate to "defend your position"?

It's appropriate to "defend your position" in debates, academic discussions, or any situation where your viewpoint is questioned or challenged. Be sure you have well-reasoned arguments.