hostile stance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hostile stance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an aggressive or unfriendly position or attitude taken by an individual or group in a discussion or conflict. Example: "The negotiations broke down due to the parties' hostile stance towards each other, making it impossible to reach an agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Nasser took a hostile stance toward Israel.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The EU, for example, is currently taking a hostile stance towards China's solar exporters.

The Economist

To judge from their hostile stance, they want to keep things that way.

The Economist

An openly hostile stance toward Mr. Chavez could do more harm than good.

The New York Times

AT&T had prepared for battle with the government, adopting at times an openly hostile stance toward the F.C.C.

The New York Times

The national team's reputation was badly tarnished by players and coaches' apathetic — and sometimes downright hostile — stance toward the uprising.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Flouting its hallowed doctrine of "non-interference", it has nudged them into slightly less hostile stances towards the West.

The Economist

Their show of force in politically crucial Rust Belt states underscored how important it was to strike a pro-manufacturing, trade-hostile stance.

The New York Times

And if Facebook persists in its privacy-hostile stance, then Mark Zuckerberg must be rejected by business elites as a man every bit as toxic as Peter Theil.

TechCrunch

Ton was apparently still maintaining a hostile political stance, and threatening to break away from the Saigon regime by overseeing the area around Mỹ Tho as a virtual independent state.

Wikipedia

None of the relevant decision-makers are willing or able to push back against Mr. Khamenei's hostile and suspicious stance toward the West.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a group's or individual's position, consider using "hostile stance" to convey a strong sense of opposition or antagonism. Ensure it aligns with the overall tone and context of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "hostile stance" when a milder term like "critical perspective" or "opposing viewpoint" would be more appropriate. Overusing strong language can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hostile stance" functions as a noun phrase, where "hostile" modifies the noun "stance". According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase. The phrase typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a particular attitude or position.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hostile stance" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes a strong, antagonistic position. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It is frequently found in news and media contexts to describe political or social disagreements, but it is also appropriate in other formal settings. While the word "hostile" carries a negative connotation, the phrase itself is neutrally descriptive. Related phrases include "antagonistic position" and "aggressive posture". When using the phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the intensity of the opposition you are describing and that the tone of your writing remains consistent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

antagonistic position

Replaces 'stance' with 'position' and 'hostile' with 'antagonistic', emphasizing opposition.

aggressive posture

Substitutes 'hostile' with 'aggressive' and 'stance' with 'posture', highlighting a more assertive form of opposition.

belligerent attitude

Changes 'hostile' to 'belligerent' and 'stance' to 'attitude', conveying a more war-like approach.

combative disposition

Replaces 'hostile' with 'combative' and 'stance' with 'disposition', indicating a readiness to fight or argue.

confrontational approach

Substitutes 'hostile' with 'confrontational' and 'stance' with 'approach', focusing on direct opposition.

unfriendly demeanor

Changes 'hostile' to 'unfriendly' and 'stance' to 'demeanor', softening the intensity of the opposition.

negative attitude

Replaces 'hostile stance' with a general 'negative attitude', broadening the scope of the sentiment.

opposing viewpoint

Substitutes the phrase with 'opposing viewpoint', focusing on a difference in opinion rather than outright hostility.

critical perspective

Changes 'hostile stance' to 'critical perspective', suggesting a more analytical opposition.

adversarial position

Replaces 'hostile' with 'adversarial' and 'stance' with 'position', denoting an opponent-like situation.

FAQs

What does "hostile stance" mean?

"Hostile stance" refers to an aggressively unfriendly or antagonistic attitude or position taken by someone toward another person, group, or idea. It indicates strong opposition and a willingness to confront or challenge.

What are some synonyms for "hostile stance"?

Synonyms for "hostile stance" include "antagonistic position", "aggressive posture", and "belligerent attitude". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How is "hostile stance" different from "critical stance"?

"Hostile stance" implies a more aggressive and confrontational opposition, while "critical stance" suggests a more analytical and evaluative perspective. A critical stance might involve pointing out flaws, whereas a hostile stance involves active opposition.

Is "hostile stance" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "hostile stance" is appropriate for formal writing when you need to accurately convey a strong sense of opposition. However, consider the tone of your writing and whether a milder term like "opposing viewpoint" might be more suitable.