state a position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "state a position" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want someone to express their opinion or stance on a particular issue or topic. Example: "In the debate, each participant was given the opportunity to state a position on climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Jacobs was attempting to ask the candidate to state a position on the Republican healthcare plan.

The Guardian

Biden becomes Secretary of State — a position he's apparently coveted for years.

University of California, Berkeley

People of faith do not expect Democratic politicians to quote the Bible every time they state a position.

The New York Times

Trump's nominee to replace him, Jelena McWilliams, declined, in her confirmation hearings, to state a position on capital requirements.

The New Yorker

In his speech, Mr. Lee said Asean "has to take and state a position which is neutral, forward-looking and encourages the peaceful resolution of issues".

The New York Times

Governor Cuomo and his office have yet to publicly state a position on the proposal, which easily passed the Assembly but has been held up in the Senate.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

We found 10,356 scientists whose published climate research has stated a position on human-caused global warming.

The Guardian

We've come to believe that anyone who has ever stated a position on anything of consequence cannot be confirmed.

The New York Times

Mr. Putin has not publicly stated a position on the time issue, though the decision is his to make.

The New York Times

Second, the manager communicates to subordinates indirectly, using "signals" instead of "messages". A signal holds a number of implicit positions, while a message clearly states a position.

Harvard Business Review

According to ARM the number may be even higher as 58 lower house MPs have not stated a position on the republic.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In journalistic writing, this phrase is particularly effective for highlighting when a public figure is being asked to move beyond vague generalities to specific commitments.

Common error

Avoid using "state a position" alongside internal-only verbs like 'feel' in the same clause (e.g., 'he stated a position that he felt...'). Instead, be direct: 'he stated a position on...' or simply 'he expressed the view that...'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "state a position" functions as a transitive verb phrase where 'state' is the action and 'a position' is the direct object. According to Ludwig AI, it is a standard idiom used to denote the act of making a formal assertion or declaring a stance on a specific issue. It often appears in the infinitive form following verbs of refusal or obligation, such as 'declined to' or 'yet to'.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "state a position" is a robust and widely accepted phrase in formal English. Ludwig AI data demonstrates its high frequency in elite journalism and academic debate, where precision of thought is paramount. Unlike more casual alternatives, it carries a weight of officiality, making it the ideal choice when describing a definitive stance on complex topics. Whether you are writing for a newspaper, a business report, or an academic paper, "state a position" remains a reliable tool for professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

articulate a stance

Suggests a more detailed or sophisticated explanation of one's views.

express a viewpoint

A softer and more general way to describe sharing an opinion.

declare an opinion

More direct and potentially more formal in an official capacity.

take a stand

Implies a more courageous or confrontational commitment to a belief.

clarify a perspective

Focuses on making an existing but misunderstood view easier to see.

commit to a view

Emphasizes the finality of the decision to support a certain side.

voice a sentiment

Used when the 'position' is based more on feeling or public mood.

set forth a policy

Specific to institutional, governmental, or corporate contexts.

adopt a posture

Often used in diplomatic contexts to describe a strategic attitude.

formulate a response

Implies the position is being constructed in reaction to a specific prompt.

FAQs

How do I use "state a position" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a formal declaration, for example: "The committee has yet to "state a position" on the proposed environmental regulations."

What is a more formal way to say "state a position"?

In very formal or academic contexts, you might prefer to use "articulate a stance" or "delineate a platform" to suggest a more thorough explanation.

Is it better to say "take a position" or "state a position"?

While similar, "take a position" implies the internal decision-making process of choosing a side, whereas "state a position" refers to the external act of announcing that choice to others.

Can I use "state a position" in business writing?

Yes, it is perfectly appropriate for professional contexts, especially when documenting a company's official response to a query or a market change.