elaborate a position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "elaborate a position" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used when asking someone to provide a detailed explanation or justification for a particular stance or viewpoint. Example: "In the debate, each participant was required to elaborate a position on climate change and its impact on global policies."

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Let me elaborate a little bit.

The Economist

To elaborate a little.

SEP

Will you elaborate a bit?

Huffington Post

Please elaborate a little bit.

eLife

Bush did not describe exactly what he considers to be "subsidies," and a campaign spokeswoman declined to elaborate on his position on the record.

Huffington Post

Brentano does not systematically elaborate his ontological position in this period, we rather find a bundle of ideas of which he did not seem to be fully convinced.

SEP

In the next month he would elaborate on this position by issuing the preliminary emancipation proclamation.

The New York Times

We first review the goals and drivers of the two policy domains in the EU, Germany and the Netherlands, and elaborate on the position of biogas within them ('Dual role of biogas in policy goals' section).

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Let's see what we can do to elaborate on our position".

WikiHow

In the same issue Steve Fuller (1987) pursued a line more akin to the debunkers, and elaborated his position the following year with a monograph (Fuller 1988).

SEP

Cue Labor to signal an elaborated position.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "elaborate a position", ensure the context calls for a detailed and comprehensive explanation. Simpler phrases like "explain your view" might be more appropriate in informal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "elaborate a position" when simpler alternatives like "explain your view" or "clarify your stance" would suffice. Overly formal language can make your writing sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "elaborate a position" functions as a verb phrase where "elaborate" is the verb and "a position" is the object. It describes the action of providing further details or clarification regarding a specific viewpoint. Based on Ludwig AI, the phrase is not commonly used.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "elaborate a position" is a grammatically acceptable, though not frequently used, way to ask for or offer a detailed explanation of a viewpoint. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is considered somewhat awkward, and simpler alternatives like "explain your view" or "clarify your stance" are generally preferred in most contexts. While the phrase might find appropriate use in professional or formal settings, writers should be mindful of the potential for wordiness and consider whether a more direct alternative would better serve their purpose. The term is not so common, and there are no concrete examples. It's better to use it only in formal settings. Be also aware of the fact that better alternatives exist like "explain a viewpoint".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explain a viewpoint

Focuses on clarifying a specific opinion or perspective.

clarify a perspective

Emphasizes making a viewpoint more understandable.

expound on a stance

Implies a more thorough and detailed explanation of a position.

detail an argument

Highlights providing comprehensive information about a claim.

articulate a belief

Emphasizes expressing a conviction clearly and effectively.

flesh out an opinion

Suggests adding more substance and supporting information to an existing opinion.

defend a position

Highlights the act of protecting a stance against opposition.

develop a thesis

Focuses on creating and expanding on a central idea or argument.

justify a decision

Focuses on providing reasons or evidence to support a choice.

present a case

Highlights the act of arguing in favor of a position, often in a formal setting.

FAQs

What does "elaborate a position" mean?

To "elaborate a position" means to provide more details, clarify the reasoning, and expand upon a particular viewpoint or stance.

What can I say instead of "elaborate a position"?

You can use alternatives like "explain a viewpoint", "clarify a perspective", or "expound on a stance" depending on the context.

Is it better to "elaborate on a position" or "explain a position"?

"Explain a position" is generally clearer and more direct. "Elaborate on a position" implies a more detailed and comprehensive explanation, which might be appropriate in formal contexts but could sound pretentious in informal ones.

How to use "elaborate a position" in a sentence?

While "elaborate a position" isn't frequently used, it could appear in sentences like: "The speaker was asked to elaborate a position on the proposed policy changes."