rival positions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rival positions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe opposing viewpoints, stances, or strategies in a debate, discussion, or competitive context. Example: "The debate highlighted the rival positions of the two candidates on healthcare reform."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

But even here we seldom see a direct and sustained confrontation of rival positions through the dialectic of assertion, critique, response and counter-critique.

The New York Times

With Labour abstaining itself from the process, the scene is set for a parliamentary vote on the issue shortly afterwards and the parties setting out their rival positions on the subject at the election.

Independent

On the basis of his analysis of these rival positions, al-Ghazālī draws two conclusions.

SEP

Classicists and connectionists present their rival positions as bold, substantive hypotheses.

SEP

The argument from exclusion has a more ad hominem twist, in which it is argued (see Parsons, 1990, Shapiro, 2004, Littman and Simmons, 2004) that the dialetheist has trouble with ruling out things, or expressing disagreement with rival positions.

SEP

Such textual continuity is found usually only in the final portions of Philodemus' books, some of which contain something like a peroration, others attacks on rival positions, especially those of other Epicureans, or a kind of mopping-up and delimitation of the book's subject-matter.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Al-Ashʿarī develops a rival position on human action, whose core doctrine is divine creation of the power by which a human being performs each of its actions (Frank 1966).

SEP

More generally, the worry is that Berkeleyan version of idealism has the resources to yield as adequate a reference for me to determine the temporal order of my past experiences as any rival position Kant is plausibly interpreted as endorsing, and that for this reason the Refutation falls short of its aim.

SEP

The pamphlet goes on to provide misleading information about the rivals' positions on immigration.

The New York Times

The NSA would keep US negotiators abreast of their rivals' positions, the document says.

The Guardian

With less than a week until polling day, the televised debate should have been an opportunity for the leading candidates to provide details about their programmes of government and to highlight weaknesses in their rivals' positions.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a complex issue, clearly outline the "rival positions" to ensure the audience understands the different perspectives.

Common error

Avoid using "rival positions" when you actually mean a compromise or middle ground between different stances. "Rival positions" indicates distinct, often opposing, viewpoints, not an agreed-upon resolution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rival positions" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies and refers to opposing viewpoints or stances within a particular context. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rival positions" is a grammatically sound and useful way to describe opposing viewpoints, especially in contexts like news, science, and formal discussions. While not exceedingly common, it is readily understood and accepted in both formal and neutral registers. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. When using this phrase, ensure you are referring to distinct, often conflicting, stances rather than a compromise or overlapping area. Alternatives such as "opposing viewpoints" or "competing stances" can be used to add variety to your writing while maintaining clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

opposing viewpoints

Focuses on the contrast in opinions or beliefs.

competing stances

Highlights the competitive nature of the positions.

conflicting perspectives

Emphasizes the disagreement in how things are viewed.

differing opinions

A general term for disagreements in belief or judgment.

alternative viewpoints

Stresses that there are different choices to consider.

contending arguments

Highlights the argumentative nature of the rival positions.

polarized opinions

Emphasizes the division and opposition between the opinions.

disagreeing standpoints

Highlights the difference in the foundational points of view.

opposed perspectives

Directly points out the adversarial relationship between the perspectives.

contrasting attitudes

Focuses on the difference in the underlying feelings or approaches.

FAQs

How can I use "rival positions" in a sentence?

You can use "rival positions" to describe opposing viewpoints in a debate, discussion, or competitive context. For example: "The debate highlighted the "rival positions" of the two candidates on healthcare reform."

What's the difference between "rival positions" and "competing viewpoints"?

"Rival positions" implies a more direct opposition or competition, while "competing viewpoints" simply suggests that different perspectives exist. They are similar, but the former emphasizes conflict or contest.

What can I say instead of "rival positions"?

You can use alternatives like "opposing viewpoints", "competing stances", or "conflicting perspectives" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "rival positions" in formal writing?

Yes, "rival positions" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a clear and concise way to describe opposing viewpoints, suitable for academic, professional, and journalistic contexts.