support a position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "support a position" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing an opinion or idea and trying to provide evidence to back it up. For example: "My research strongly supports my position that the new policy would be beneficial."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Students are asked to support a position on whether failure is a prerequisite for success.

The New York Times

"It's very hard for me to support a position that could be detrimental to Israel," he said.

The New York Times

Media Studies – Create a public information campaign that convinces citizens to support a position on domestic wiretapping based on whatever facts or opinions you choose to present.

The New York Times

The report from the Independent Budget Office, an independent watchdog group that oversees the city's budget, seems to support a position held by many Bronx residents, who have long claimed that the project's true costs would be more expensive than the city had first disclosed.

The New York Times

As we noted at the time, it isn't the number of reasons you can think to support a position that matters; it's the quality of those reasons.So it's a little amusing today to see Tyler Cowen pursuing the same rhetorical strategy.

The Economist

Giere (2006) uses the phenomenon of color vision to support a position he calls perspectival realism.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

B positions can support A positions (think IBM's feeder roles).

Harvard Business Review

On illegal immigration, Ms. Kennedy supported a position promoted by her uncle, Senator Edward M. Kennedy, backing a so-called path to citizenship for the undocumented.

The New York Times

In particular, George Osborne must put aside any idea that he can dragoon ministers and MPs into supporting a position most of their constituency members and voters will not.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I don't want to see any MP shoehorned into supporting a position in public that they don't back in private".

The Guardian

The options, they say, are equally unpleasant: hurting children who are benefiting from scouting, or supporting a position they find ethically untenable.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing persuasively, use credible evidence from reliable sources to "support a position" effectively. This strengthens your argument and enhances its credibility.

Common error

Avoid solely relying on personal opinions without providing factual evidence to "support a position". Back up your claims with data, research, or expert testimony to create a stronger, more convincing argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "support a position" functions as a verb phrase where "support" acts as the verb and "a position" is the object. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

11%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "support a position" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression that signifies endorsing or providing evidence for a specific viewpoint. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts. It's commonly found in news, scientific literature, and formal business communications. Remember to back up your claims with evidence rather than personal opinions. Alternatives include ""endorse a viewpoint"" or "advocate a stance". By understanding its usage and alternatives, you can communicate your ideas effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

endorse a viewpoint

Focuses more on publicly approving or backing a specific viewpoint.

advocate a stance

Emphasizes actively promoting and defending a particular stance or belief.

champion an idea

Suggests strong and enthusiastic support for a particular idea or cause.

uphold a belief

Implies maintaining or defending a belief against opposition or challenges.

affirm an opinion

Highlights confirming or stating an opinion with confidence and conviction.

defend a thesis

Specifically relates to providing evidence and arguments to protect a thesis statement.

bolster an argument

Focuses on strengthening an existing argument with additional support.

validate a claim

Suggests confirming or proving the truth or accuracy of a claim.

justify a decision

Concerns providing reasons or explanations to show that a decision is right or reasonable.

back a proposition

Implies giving assistance and encouragement to a specific proposition.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "support a position" in a sentence?

To effectively use "support a position", ensure you provide clear and relevant evidence, facts, or reasoning that validates or strengthens the viewpoint you are advocating. For example, "The data clearly "endorse a viewpoint" that renewable energy is essential for sustainability".

What are some alternatives to "support a position"?

You can use alternatives such as "advocate a stance", "champion an idea", or "uphold a belief" depending on the context.

Is it better to "support a position" or "defend a thesis"?

The choice between "support a position" and "defend a thesis" depends on the context. "Support a position" is more general, while "defend a thesis" specifically refers to providing evidence and arguments to protect a thesis statement.

What kind of evidence is best to "support a position"?

The best evidence to "support a position" depends on the context, and may include statistical data, expert opinions, case studies, or logical reasoning. Ensure your evidence is credible and directly relevant to the position you are arguing.