take a public position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take a public position" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It generally is used when referring to making a stance or point of view public on a political or personal matter. You could use it in the following sentence: The president has recently taken a public position on the controversial gun control bill.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Aipac, however, did not take a public position on Mr. Hagel's candidacy.

The New York Times

Although many businesses are reluctant to take a public position, some have spoken out.

The Guardian

We have no plans to take a public position on the EPA Clean Power Plan.

The Guardian

does not take a public position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The New York Times

"We also really want the British government to take a public position on this," Mr Morris said.

The Guardian - Business

He said that he personally spoke to Mr. Sharpton in July about the matter and that he assumed the reverend was going to take a public position.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

We have not taken a public position on the policy.

The Guardian

He'd never taken a public position on the war.

The Washington Post

Any citizen can be called an extremist for taking a public position, for political activity.

The New York Times

The Brotherhood has not taken a public position on the matter.

The New Yorker

It had not taken a public position on the referendum as it was an "apolitical" organisation.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the potential impact of taking a public position, especially in professional settings. Ensure that the stance aligns with organizational values and objectives.

Common error

Avoid using "take a public position" without specifying what the position is about. Being vague can lead to confusion or misinterpretation. Always clarify the topic or issue at hand.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take a public position" functions as a verbal phrase that describes the action of formally declaring one's stance or opinion on a particular matter. Ludwig AI indicates that this is a correct and usable expression in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take a public position" is a verbal phrase that denotes the act of openly declaring one's stance on a matter. It is grammatically correct and commonly used, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. The phrase typically appears in neutral to professional contexts such as news and media. When using this phrase, it is crucial to provide clear contextual information to avoid vagueness. Alternatives include "make a public statement" or "express a public opinion". By understanding its usage and potential pitfalls, you can effectively communicate your stance on important issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a stand publicly

Emphasizes the act of taking a stand, with the addition of it being done publicly.

make a public statement

Focuses on the act of declaring something publicly, rather than necessarily adopting a stance.

express a public opinion

Highlights the expression of a viewpoint, differing slightly from taking a definitive stand.

voice a public stance

Emphasizes the act of voicing or articulating a particular viewpoint publicly.

make one's position known

Focuses on making others aware of one's position or stance, often in a formal setting.

declare a public viewpoint

Stresses the act of formally declaring a viewpoint for public consumption.

state publicly

Highlights the act of stating something for public knowledge, without necessarily implying a strong stance.

adopt a public attitude

Focuses on the adoption and public display of a particular attitude or disposition.

air one's views

Refers to expressing one's views, often publicly, on a particular matter.

go on record

Refers to making a statement that is officially recorded or noted.

FAQs

What does it mean to "take a public position"?

To "take a public position" means to openly and formally declare your stance or opinion on a particular issue or topic, making it known to the public.

When is it appropriate to "take a public position"?

It's appropriate to "take a public position" when you want to openly advocate for a cause, clarify your stance on a matter of public interest, or when your role requires you to express your views publicly.

What are some alternatives to "take a public position"?

You can use alternatives like "make a public statement", "express a public opinion", or "voice a public stance" depending on the specific context.

How does "take a public position" differ from "have an opinion"?

"Having an opinion" is a personal belief, while to "take a public position" involves expressing that belief openly and formally to the public. The former is private; the latter is a deliberate act of making one's views known.