moderate position in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moderate position in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a balanced or middle-ground stance on a particular issue or topic. Example: "The committee reached a moderate position in the debate, aiming to satisfy both sides of the argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Discusses Bell's "moderate" position in terms of the times.

The New Yorker

But over the long run, he said he could see a strong potential for a secular moderate position in the Middle East.

The New York Times

His rhetoric opposing the law from the primary campaign will be hard to square with a more moderate position in the general election.

The New York Times

"It's high time we realised that adopting a moderate position in the God debate is not the same as adopting a nonjudgmental one in which uncertainty becomes the new object of veneration".

The Guardian - Opinion

For Mr. Obama's administration, the decision to appeal the judge's ruling provides an opportunity to reaffirm a moderate position in the broader abortion debate that had drawn praise from conservative groups that are normally highly critical of the president.

The New York Times - Health

Armenian leaders who appeared to take an overly moderate position in the peace talks then experienced domestic backlashes — most famously when Armenian President Levon Ter-Petrosyan was forced out in 1998 — and will be well aware of the risks of appearing to back down.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Acknowledging that reality, middle-of-the-road Democrats Mark Penn and Andrew Stein urged the party to opt for more moderate positions in an op-ed in the New York Times on Thursday.

The Washington Post

But like Mr Perry he has taken some moderate positions, in his case on gun control as well as immigration, that might antagonise the conservative base.

The Economist

Mr. Spano explained his conversion as a matter of constructive abandonment; the Republican Party had drifted way to the right, he said, leaving him and his moderate positions in the cold.

The New York Times

A proud bearer of liberal Democratic standards in the late 1970's and 1980's, he emphasized more moderate positions in the 1990's, as liberalism fell out of vogue and he contemplated a run for governor or senator.

The New York Times

To understand what's wrong with this analysis, consider the version offered by Daniel Larison: If Christie boosters are so desperate to find an alternative to Romney and Perry, and they're willing to accept someone with some moderate positions in his record, [Jon] Huntsman is already running, he has more experience, and he has fewer liabilities than Christie.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "moderate position in", ensure the context clearly defines the spectrum of viewpoints being considered. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity regarding the 'moderate' aspect.

Common error

Avoid using "moderate position in" when the stance is simply a diluted version of an extreme view. A truly moderate position involves genuine compromise and balance, not just a weaker endorsement of one side.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moderate position in" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a stance or viewpoint that avoids extremes, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "moderate position in" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that describes a balanced or middle-ground stance on a given topic. According to Ludwig, this phrase is most commonly found in news and media sources, followed by science and encyclopedia entries, suggesting a generally neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines the spectrum of viewpoints under consideration. Be mindful that simply diluting an extreme view isn't the same as holding a truly moderate position, which involves genuine compromise. Although Ludwig confirms the correctness of the expression, remember that adopting such a stance isn't always beneficial. While it may foster compromise, it might also be seen as a lack of strong conviction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

middle ground on

Emphasizes finding a compromise between opposing views.

balanced view on

Highlights impartiality and consideration of different perspectives.

compromise stance on

Focuses on the act of conceding to reach an agreement.

intermediate viewpoint on

Suggests a position lying between extremes.

neutral perspective on

Indicates a lack of bias or strong opinion.

temperate approach to

Highlights a calm and measured way of dealing with something.

centrist attitude toward

Emphasizes a political orientation towards the center.

equitable standpoint on

Focuses on fairness and justice in considering an issue.

reasonable outlook on

Suggests a sensible and practical way of thinking.

measured opinion on

Highlights careful consideration and restraint in judgment.

FAQs

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

The phrase "moderate position in" is used to describe a balanced or middle-ground stance on a particular issue. For example: "The candidate adopted a "moderate position in" the debate about healthcare reform".

What's the difference between "moderate position in" and "middle ground on"?

"Moderate position in" suggests a general stance, while "middle ground on" implies a specific compromise between two opposing views.

What can I say instead of "moderate position in"?

You can use alternatives like "balanced view on", "compromise stance on", or "neutral perspective on", depending on the specific context.

Is it always positive to have a "moderate position in" an argument?

Not necessarily. While a "moderate position in" can foster compromise, it may also be perceived as a lack of conviction or a failure to fully address critical issues.