formulate a position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formulate a position" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of developing or articulating a specific stance or viewpoint on a particular issue or topic. Example: "In the debate, each participant was required to formulate a position on climate change and present their arguments clearly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Friends and strangers have posed this question to me repeatedly since my son was born a year ago, and I have yet to formulate a position.

The New York Times - Arts

The government has yet to formulate a position on the plan.

The New York Times

He said he and Mr. Guehenno would set up a panel of experts to formulate a position on testing.

The New York Times

When White House advisers formulate a position that they believe is correct but which manages to repel everyone, they say that they have "hit the sweet spot".

The New Yorker

So she convened a meeting of artists in her yard in Tel Aviv and urged them to formulate a position paper about Israeli policy and to think about an exhibit.

The New York Times

He's meeting with union leadership Tuesday to formulate a position, but he expressed doubts about the trial program in the days immediately following the decision.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

He said Labor would look constructively at the details before formulating a position.

The Guardian

Mr. Cuomo took some steps toward formulating a position as early as June 2011, when he charged an aide with developing a statewide gambling plan.

The New York Times

In an effort to find a way through the internal divisions, Bishop formulated a position where the Australian government could nominate the former Labor prime minister without formally endorsing his campaign.

The Guardian

Subsequently, Næss formulated a position which extended the reverence the three Norwegians and the Sherpas felt for mountains to other natural things in general.

SEP

Several U.S. professional organizations, including the NCCN, have formulated a position on biosimilars in anticipation of their approval.

Cancer Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "formulate a position", ensure that the context clearly indicates the subject matter and the basis for forming that position. This helps in providing clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid stating that someone "formulated a position" without providing any context or evidence for that position. Always include details about the reasoning or arguments used.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formulate a position" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun phrase. Grammatically, it describes the action of developing or creating a specific viewpoint or stance. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable and correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "formulate a position" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that denotes the act of developing a specific viewpoint or stance on a particular issue. As Ludwig AI indicates, its usage is correct and understandable across various contexts. It is most frequently encountered in news and media sources, as well as academic and scientific writing, indicating a register that ranges from neutral to professional. When using this phrase, ensure that the context is clear and that the reasoning behind the formulated position is well-supported. Alternatives such as "develop a stance" or "establish a viewpoint" can be used to convey a similar meaning with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

articulate a perspective

"Articulate" emphasizes clear and effective communication of the position.

develop a stance

Replaces "formulate" with a more general verb and "position" with "stance", implying a developed viewpoint.

establish a viewpoint

"Establish" suggests a more concrete and firm position compared to "formulate".

establish a line of reasoning

This alternative stresses on the logic behind a position.

define an opinion

Focuses on clarifying a personal belief rather than developing a formal stance.

take a stand

This option suggests a public declaration of support or opposition.

determine a policy

Implies a more official and structured approach, suitable for organizational contexts.

create a strategy

Shifts the focus to a plan of action rather than a declared viewpoint.

craft an argument

Emphasizes the persuasive and reasoned aspect of the position.

adopt an attitude

Highlights a personal inclination or feeling rather than a reasoned position.

FAQs

How can I use "formulate a position" in a sentence?

You can use "formulate a position" when describing the process of developing a specific stance or viewpoint on a topic. For example: "The committee met to "develop a stance" on the new policy."

What are some alternatives to "formulate a position"?

Alternatives include "establish a viewpoint", "define an opinion", or "adopt an attitude" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to "formulate a position" or "take a stand"?

"Formulate a position" suggests a more thoughtful and reasoned approach to developing a viewpoint, while "take a stand" implies a more decisive and public declaration of support or opposition.

What's the difference between "formulate a position" and "craft an argument"?

"Formulate a position" refers to developing an overall stance, while "craft an argument" focuses on constructing persuasive reasoning to support a particular viewpoint. The former is broader, while the latter is more focused on persuasion.