permissive stance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "permissive stance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an attitude or position that allows for flexibility or leniency regarding rules or behaviors. Example: "The committee adopted a permissive stance on the new policy, allowing for exceptions in certain cases."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

maintains a more permissive stance toward sexual relationships between supervisors and subordinates than other multinational organizations.

The New York Times

Like most reforms, cutting tariffs is unlikely to bear fruit unless national governments are committed to it.But some worry that Britain's permissive stance might itself weaken this commitment.

The Economist

This broad accessibility, magnified by Twitter's laudably permissive stance on the creation of new accounts, has created fertile ground for such automated shenanigans, like proving our susceptibility to certain typos and making Newt Gingrich seem popular.

The New Yorker

The Gosses say they and neighbors had contacted lawyers but were told that a suit was unlikely to succeed because of the state's permissive stance toward mineral exploration and because of the disposition of those rights in part before the deed restrictions were drawn up.

The New York Times

The old system failed partly because the rules were flawed, but also because regulators were captured: witness supervisors' decision to allow the leveraged takeover of ABN AMRO, a Dutch lender; the widespread use of hybrid debt to inflate capital; and the permissive stance of the Securities and Exchange Commission towards American broker-dealers like Lehman Brothers.

The Economist

While some countries adopted a ban, others pursued a permissive stance on clinical xenotransplantation.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

In a 2006 study, the Pew Research Center found that libertarians took small-government stances on economic issues, separating themselves from Democrats, but permissive stances on social issues, setting themselves apart from Republicans.

The New York Times

Like such other formerly radical Italian artists as Carlo Carrà and Gino Severini (and even the saintly still-life painter Giorgio Morandi), de Chirico maintained an ambiguous stance toward Italy's relatively permissive Fascist regime.

The New Yorker

Nongovernmental agencies working in the region say that Turkey has nonetheless been the most permissive of Syria's neighbors in allowing aid to cross the border, despite its public stance.

The New York Times

Texas remains relatively permissive.

The New York Times

(He had permissive parents).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a formal decision or policy, use "permissive stance" to convey a deliberate choice to allow certain behaviors or actions.

Common error

Avoid using "permissive stance" in casual conversations. Opt for more natural alternatives like "laid-back" or "easygoing" to maintain a conversational tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "permissive stance" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'permissive' modifies 'stance'. Ludwig's examples highlight its use to describe a policy, attitude, or approach that allows for flexibility or leniency. As suggested by Ludwig, this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "permissive stance" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe a flexible or lenient approach, often within policy or attitude contexts. Ludwig has confirmed its correctness and provided several examples of its usage across various reputable sources. Related phrases like "lenient approach" or "liberal policy" can be used as alternatives depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. While versatile, it's best suited for formal contexts to accurately reflect a deliberate choice for flexibility. Keep in mind the neutral tone or you can risk sounding judgemental.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lenient approach

Focuses on the degree of gentleness in the method used.

liberal policy

Highlights the open-minded and progressive nature of the guidelines.

tolerant attitude

Emphasizes the level of acceptance and forbearance demonstrated.

accommodating position

Stresses the willingness to adjust or adapt to different circumstances.

forgiving nature

Focuses on the tendency to excuse or overlook offenses.

hands-off policy

Highlights the lack of intervention or control.

non-interventionist approach

Emphasizes avoiding involvement or interference.

laissez-faire attitude

Highlights a deliberate avoidance of interfering.

open-minded outlook

Focuses on willingness to consider new ideas.

flexible outlook

Highlights adaptability and willingness to change.

FAQs

How can I use "permissive stance" in a sentence?

You can use "permissive stance" to describe a policy or attitude that allows for flexibility or leniency. For example, "The company adopted a "permissive stance" on remote work, allowing employees to work from home as needed."

What are some alternatives to "permissive stance"?

Alternatives to "permissive stance" include "lenient approach", "liberal policy", or "tolerant attitude", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "permissive stance"?

It's appropriate to use "permissive stance" when describing a deliberate decision to allow certain behaviors or actions, often in a formal or policy-related context. It indicates a conscious choice to be flexible or lenient.

What's the difference between "permissive stance" and "strict policy"?

"Permissive stance" implies leniency and flexibility, whereas "strict policy" suggests rigidity and adherence to rules. The former allows for exceptions, while the latter typically does not.