state their positions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "state their positions" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it in a sentence to describe someone or a group of people expressing their opinions or beliefs on a particular subject. Example: During the debate, each candidate was given the opportunity to state their positions on key issues such as healthcare, education, and the economy.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Candidates should state their positions, tout their records and leave the rest to the voters.

The New York Times

The survey intends to make candidates state their positions on the record for the first time.

The Washington Post

Twenty national leaders intervened to question Cameron and to state their positions on the UK wishlist for staying in the EU.

The Guardian

Nonetheless, the United States believed that UN members should be allowed to state their positions freely and openly without undue P-5 influence.

The Guardian

And, to put it bluntly, many of them don't publicly state their positions, because they would then diverge from the U.S. position".

The New York Times

Though he cannot guess at numbers, there are those who believe, even if they won't state their positions publicly, that the failures of the past prove it is time to welcome outside help.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

In one group, we had people simply state their position; in the other group, we first asked six questions that explored their general attitudes toward gun control and then asked them to state their position.

Harvard Business Review

It gave Suarez and the Uruguayan Football Association until 5 P.M. (Brazilian time) on Thursday to state their position and provide evidence.

The New Yorker

In a study conducted with John Petrocelli, we asked undergraduates to state their position on a fictitious university policy requiring students to swipe ID cards to enter campus buildings.

Harvard Business Review

The Deistic Darwinians state their position thus: "We know of old that God was so wise that he could make all things; but behold he is so much wiser than even that, that he can make all things make themselves".

The New York Times - Books

What they do have is the ability to introduce bills that have little chance of passing, to insist on a debate on the floor, and to force the other side to state their position publicly on a particular measure.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "state their positions" in formal writing, ensure that the context provides sufficient background information for the audience to understand the subject being discussed. This helps to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

A common mistake is using "state their positions" without providing enough context. To avoid this, briefly introduce the topic or issue before using the phrase, ensuring the audience understands the basis for the stated positions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "state their positions" functions as a verb phrase where the verb "state" takes a direct object, "their positions." It signifies the act of explicitly declaring or articulating one's viewpoints, opinions, or stance on a particular subject. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "state their positions" is used to describe the act of explicitly declaring or articulating one's viewpoints. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It appears frequently in news, business, and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to professional register. Alternative phrases include "express their opinions" and "articulate their views". When using this phrase, ensure sufficient context is provided to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

articulate their views

Replaces "state" with "articulate", emphasizing clarity and eloquence in expressing opinions.

express their opinions

Uses "express" instead of "state", focusing on the outward communication of thoughts.

outline their stance

Substitutes "state their positions" with "outline their stance", suggesting a more structured and detailed presentation of their viewpoint.

declare their beliefs

Replaces "positions" with "beliefs", implying a stronger, more conviction-based expression.

make their views known

Emphasizes the act of publicizing opinions or perspectives.

air their opinions

Implies the public broadcasting of thoughts and opinions.

divulge their perspective

Suggests revealing a previously hidden viewpoint.

communicate their standpoint

Highlights the act of conveying a specific point of view.

profess their convictions

Implies a formal and often public declaration of deeply held beliefs.

voice their opinions

Focuses on the audible expression of one's views.

FAQs

How can I use "state their positions" in a sentence?

You can use "state their positions" to describe individuals or groups expressing their opinions or stances on a particular topic. For example: "The candidates will "state their positions" on healthcare during the debate."

What are some alternatives to "state their positions"?

Alternatives include phrases like "express their opinions", "articulate their views", or "outline their stance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "state their positions" or "express their opinions"?

"State their positions" tends to be slightly more formal than "express their opinions", as "state" implies a more deliberate and official declaration of a viewpoint.

When is it appropriate to use "state their positions" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "state their positions" when you want to describe someone clearly and directly communicating their stance or beliefs, particularly in formal or professional contexts such as political debates, policy discussions, or academic analyses.