reserve our position

USAGE SUMMARY

"reserve our position" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you are holding your position or opinion in a certain matter, especially in the face of opposition from others. For example: "We must reserve our position on this controversial issue, despite the strong opinions being voiced by those opposed to us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

We have no further comment to make but we reserve our position with regard to any cause of action that may arise as a result of publication of the article".

The Economist

We also reserve our position in relation to their position on medical confidentiality and the equitable duty of confidence.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We have reserved our position.

The Guardian

One-design class rules these days are trying to reserve the helmsman position for amateur boat owners.

The New York Times - Sports

The Greens on Thursday reserved their position on the disallowance.

The Guardian

(This is not illegal, because Norway reserved its position on the IWC's 1986 moratorium).

The Economist

I have not lied to you, but I have reserved my position just a little.

The Guardian - Sport

Yet the OFT is reserving its position about the legality of some charges included in leases.

The Guardian

Australia, which has been a leader in tobacco control with plain-packaging laws and graphic warnings, has reserved its position.

The Guardian

He has reserved a position as standard-bearer of those in Germany who may want to postpone Europe's planned economic and monetary union (EMU).

The Economist

Other groups, including the publishers of the Independent titles and The Guardian, have reserved their position as to whether they will sign up to the proposed new body.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reserve our position" when you want to indicate that you are intentionally not committing to a specific viewpoint or action, leaving room for future adjustments based on new information or developments.

Common error

Avoid using "reserve our position" as a way to indefinitely postpone a decision or avoid taking responsibility. It should be used strategically, not as a substitute for active engagement or clear communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reserve our position" functions as a declaration of intent to maintain optionality or refrain from committing to a specific viewpoint or course of action. It allows for future adjustments based on new information or developments, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reserve our position" signifies a strategic decision to maintain flexibility and avoid premature commitment, often in the face of uncertainty or ongoing developments. Ludwig confirms the phrase is grammatically correct. While Ludwig's examples are limited, predominantly drawn from News & Media and Scientific contexts, the phrase's usage suggests a neutral to professional register. It is best employed when strategic maneuvering and adaptability are valued, caution is advised against using it as a means to indefinitely postpone decisions or shirk responsibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain our stance

Focuses on the act of keeping a specific opinion or attitude.

hold our ground

Implies resisting pressure to change one's opinion or action.

stand our ground

Similar to 'hold our ground', emphasizing resistance.

protect our interests

Shifts the focus to safeguarding advantages or benefits.

preserve our rights

Emphasizes the act of keeping legal or moral entitlements secure.

safeguard our options

Highlights the act of keeping multiple choices available.

keep our options open

Expresses the intention to avoid making a final decision.

delay our decision

Indicates postponing a choice until a later time.

defer our judgment

Postpones forming an opinion or conclusion.

reconsider our opinion

Expresses a willingness to think again about a view.

FAQs

What does "reserve our position" mean?

It means to deliberately refrain from taking a definitive stance on a matter, allowing for flexibility and future action based on evolving circumstances.

When is it appropriate to "reserve our position"?

It's appropriate when facing uncertainty, awaiting further information, or needing to maintain flexibility in negotiations or legal matters.

What are some alternatives to "reserve our position"?

You could use phrases like "maintain our stance", "hold our ground", or "keep our options open" depending on the specific context.

How does "reserve our position" differ from indecisiveness?

"Reserve our position" is a deliberate strategy to maintain optionality, while indecisiveness often stems from an inability to make a choice due to confusion or lack of information. The former is proactive, the latter is reactive.