hold different positions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hold different positions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe the various stances or roles people may have on a particular issue or topic. For example, you might say, "The members of the city council hold different positions on the proposed construction project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

We conclude that discussions about values should be a regular part of breast-screening review in order to build understanding between those who hold different positions, and provide a mechanism for responding to these differences.

BMJ Open

Political parties do go through occasional, painful cleansings, in which they emerge with different leaders who hold different positions.

The New Yorker

People hold different positions within the scene.

Vice

We concoct straw men and women, burdening them with our worst stereotypes to justify our contempt for those who hold different positions.

Huffington Post

In classic conflict resolution theory analysis both hold different positions when it comes to the conflicts Israel has with her neighbors, but both understand they also share other interests and needs.

Huffington Post

Different team members hold different positions and have different duties on the field.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

However, over the past 50 years Germany and France have sometimes held different positions when it has come to resolving important issues of shared interest.

The Guardian - Opinion

Speaking on five news shows, Mr. Lieberman acknowledged that he had held different positions from Mr. Gore on an array of issues, from affirmative action to school vouchers to tort law changes.

The New York Times

Again, some philosophers appear to have held different positions at different stages of their career.

SEP

He studied geography, history, and social sciences in Innsbruck followed by a long stay in Berlin holding different positions.

International Encyclopedia of Human Geography

Different Buddhist schools, however, held different positions on the distinctive nature of perceptual experience, and on the specific roles of the sense faculties and status of sense objects in it.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing disagreements, use "hold different positions" to neutrally acknowledge differing viewpoints without implying judgment.

Common error

While "hold different positions" is neutral, overusing it in an argumentative context can sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "disagree" or "have opposing views" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold different positions" functions as a verb phrase that describes the state of having differing opinions, roles, or stances. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is usable and correct in written English. The phrase describes the act of maintaining a perspective that contrasts with others.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hold different positions" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for describing situations where individuals or groups have varying opinions, roles, or stances. It maintains a neutral tone, making it useful in various contexts, from news reports to academic discussions. While synonyms like ""take different stances"" or "maintain opposing views" exist, "hold different positions" is often favored for its balanced approach. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take different stances

Focuses on opinions or attitudes rather than roles or physical placements.

occupy different roles

Emphasizes the functional differences in responsibilities or duties.

have conflicting viewpoints

Directly states the presence of opposing opinions.

maintain opposing views

Highlights the conflicting nature of the perspectives held.

espouse divergent opinions

Suggests a more formal and assertive holding of differing beliefs.

adopt contrasting perspectives

Focuses on the process of choosing or assuming a particular viewpoint.

embrace disparate ideologies

Implies a deeper commitment to differing systems of thought.

defend alternative arguments

Highlights the act of supporting different sides of a debate.

advocate distinct policies

Focuses on promoting different courses of action.

profess varied beliefs

Emphasizes the open declaration of differing convictions.

FAQs

How can I use "hold different positions" in a sentence?

You can use "hold different positions" to describe situations where people have varying opinions or roles. For example: "The committee members "take different stances" on the budget allocation."

What's a more formal way to say "hold different positions"?

In a more formal context, you could say "espouse divergent opinions" or "advocate distinct policies" to convey a similar meaning with a higher level of formality.

Is it always appropriate to use "hold different positions"?

While generally neutral, consider the context. In highly charged situations, alternatives like "maintain opposing views" might be more direct, depending on your intent.

What is the difference between "hold different positions" and "have conflicting viewpoints"?

"Hold different positions" is a broader term that can refer to differing roles or opinions, while "have conflicting viewpoints" specifically emphasizes disagreement. The phrase "adopt contrasting perspectives" might also be used.