sharp stance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sharp stance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong or clear position on an issue or topic, often in a debate or discussion context. Example: "The politician took a sharp stance on climate change, emphasizing the need for immediate action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

An engagingly witty story, it offers ready boy-appeal - though girls, too, will appreciate its sharp stance on gender stereotyping.

The Guardian

PARIS, Sept. 19 — Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner of France defended his sharp stance on Iran's nuclear program on Wednesday, saying that his remarks that the world had to prepare for a possible war with Iran had been misinterpreted and that he was a man of peace.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The sharp stances, which have been building for days, complicated efforts to reach an agreement by Mr. Boehner, an Ohio Republican; Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky and the minority leader; and Mr. Obama, who were scheduled to resume deliberations at the White House on Sunday evening.

The New York Times

Given the commissioner's recent sharp, stark stance -- he made the above claim just 10 months ago -- even an implied causal connection four years back from the lips of a senior league official seems worth noting.

Huffington Post

In a sharp departure from the stance he displayed under Coach Jeff Van Gundy, Sprewell has been unusually cool during the Knicks' downfall.

The New York Times - Sports

Trump's unrestrained language stands in sharp contrast with the stance adopted by President Obama over the past eight years.

The Guardian

It was a stance in sharp contrast to vehement and convoluted claims he has made about that day over the last 15 years.

The Guardian

The board's hardball tactics are a sharp turnabout from its stance in recent years, when it made Mr. Kozlowski perhaps the best-paid chief executive in the country.

The New York Times

But this view is in sharp contrast to the stance taken by all of the large cable operators, including AT&T and Time Warner Cable, which maintain that because they have invested billions of dollars to rewire their systems to handle two-way communications, they should be paid by any programmer or advertiser that chooses to conduct business via those networks.

The New York Times

In sharp contrast to its stance four years ago, ICG now asserts that the situation in Syria is dangerously stuck in a cycle of disintegration and expanding radicalism that benefits neither the regime nor a much diminished "moderate opposition".

Huffington Post

Compared to earlier statements, the USGS report is a sharp turnaround from its previous stance.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sharp stance" when you want to convey a sense of clarity and decisiveness in someone's position on a particular issue. It's especially effective when describing political or controversial topics.

Common error

Avoid using "sharp stance" in contexts where simpler language would suffice. Overusing jargon can make your writing seem pretentious or inaccessible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sharp stance" functions as a noun phrase where "sharp" modifies the noun "stance". It typically acts as a subject complement or object, describing the nature of a position or viewpoint. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sharp stance" is a grammatically sound and understandable expression, denoting a clear and decisive position on a matter. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is accurate in written English and suitable for a variety of contexts, most notably News & Media. While its frequency is uncommon, its usage is straightforward. Consider alternatives like "firm position" or "strong viewpoint" depending on the desired nuance. When using "sharp stance", clarity and relevance are key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

firm position

Replaces "sharp" with "firm", focusing on the resoluteness of the stance.

decisive stand

Emphasizes the conclusive nature of the position taken.

strong viewpoint

Highlights the intensity of the opinion held.

forceful position

Focuses on the strength and assertiveness of the position.

clear-cut opinion

Stresses the unambiguous nature of the opinion.

resolute attitude

Highlights the unwavering nature of the attitude.

uncompromising position

Emphasizes the inflexibility of the stance.

determined viewpoint

Highlights the resolve behind the opinion.

assertive stance

Focuses on the confident and self-assured nature of the stance.

pointed opinion

Stresses how the opinion is direct and to the point.

FAQs

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

You can use "sharp stance" to describe someone's strong or clear position on an issue, for example: "The politician took a "sharp stance" on the proposed legislation".

What are some alternatives to "sharp stance"?

Alternatives include "firm position", "decisive stand", or "strong viewpoint", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "sharp stance" a formal or informal expression?

"Sharp stance" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for use in news articles, reports, and formal discussions. It's not overly formal, but it's not informal either.

What does "sharp stance" imply about the person taking the stance?

A "sharp stance" implies that the person is taking a clear, decisive, and potentially controversial position. It suggests they are not wavering or uncertain in their opinion.