questioning stance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "questioning stance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an attitude or approach that involves inquiry, skepticism, or critical thinking. Example: "Adopting a questioning stance allows students to engage more deeply with the material and develop their analytical skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

She had strong opinions and a naturally questioning stance.

The Guardian - Books

New culture secretary John Whittingdale, who has already had a cordial meeting with Channel 4's chiefs, has a questioning stance towards public service broadcasting and there have been sporadic flirtations with privatising it.

The Guardian

A questioning stance sensitizes the mind in a very special way, enabling it to sense what would have been missed otherwise.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Seven former Internal Revenue Service Commissioners sent Mr. O'Neill a letter in June questioning his stance on the O.E.C.D. effort to make foreign tax havens cooperate with investigations of tax crimes.

The New York Times

Because she is so appreciated by many here, why shouldn't she be able to criticize Israel?" The U.N. vote seems to be part of a more complex phase of the relationship, with Israel expecting Germany to toe the line on all counts but a younger generation of German politicians questioning that stance, especially over settlements and human rights.

The New York Times

McConnell twice tried to dodge the question, first by offering his standard talking points on how Obamacare was a premium-hiking job killer, and then by questioning the stance of his Democratic opponent, Kentucky State Secretary Alison Lundergan Grimes.

Huffington Post

So when a woman named Barbara Bodner replied to my comments in a letter to the editor of the Wednesday Journal, questioning my stance and wondering in a tone of cautious indignation what such an approach would look like in practical terms, I can't say I was surprised.

Huffington Post

But I think to say that questioning her stances on issues that actively perpetuated criminalization of black and brown communities to say that's racist and sexist is doublespeak.

Vice

But he has taken sharp aim at her record as Alaska governor, vigorously questioning her evolving stance on the state's so-called bridge to nowhere.

The New York Times

Recent meta-analyses, however, took a critical stance, questioning what would constitute a real replication of such a gene by environment interaction finding [ 3, 4].

European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

"I have been pained and am still in pain because of what I have been subjected to, my family and I," he said, "from unjust campaigns and false allegations aimed at hurting my reputation and questioning my integrity, stances and military and political history, through which I have striven for the sake of Egypt and its sons in war and in peace".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "questioning stance" to signal a deliberate and thoughtful approach to a topic, implying more than simple curiosity. It suggests a critical evaluation is underway.

Common error

Avoid using "questioning stance" in very casual conversations; simpler terms like "curious" or "skeptical" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "questioning stance" functions as a noun phrase, where "questioning" acts as a modifier describing the type of "stance". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, typically to describe an approach that involves inquiry, skepticism, or critical thinking.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "questioning stance" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to describe an attitude of inquiry or critical evaluation. According to Ludwig AI, this term is best used to denote a deliberate and thoughtful approach. While it is relatively rare, primarily appearing in news and media, it effectively conveys an active and analytical engagement with a subject. Consider using related phrases like "inquisitive attitude" or "skeptical perspective" for similar meanings, and avoid overuse in highly informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inquisitive attitude

Replaces "stance" with "attitude", focusing on a general disposition of inquiry.

skeptical perspective

Emphasizes doubt and critical examination rather than simply questioning.

critical outlook

Highlights a judgmental and analytical approach.

probing inquiry

Focuses on a thorough and investigative form of questioning.

analytical mindset

Shifts the focus to a cognitive approach centered on analysis.

evaluative approach

Highlights the process of assessing and judging something.

interrogative position

Uses a more formal term ("interrogative") to describe a questioning viewpoint.

doubting viewpoint

Stresses the element of doubt in the perspective.

challenging attitude

Emphasizes the act of confronting or disputing something.

scrutinizing eye

Focuses on careful and critical observation.

FAQs

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

You can use "questioning stance" to describe someone's approach or attitude towards a topic. For example, "Adopting a questioning stance allows for a more thorough understanding of complex issues."

What's a good alternative to "questioning stance"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "inquisitive attitude", "skeptical perspective", or "critical outlook".

Is "questioning stance" formal or informal?

"Questioning stance" leans towards a more formal register, suitable for academic, professional, or journalistic writing, but it can also be used more informally. It's more precise than simply saying someone is "curious".

When is it appropriate to adopt a "questioning stance"?

A questioning stance is particularly useful when evaluating evidence, analyzing arguments, or exploring different perspectives on a subject. It's beneficial in situations where critical thinking is required.