take a stance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take a stance" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to making a decision or taking a position on a particular subject or issue. For example, "The city council decided to take a stance against the proposed new law."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"International donors have one final chance to take a stance.

The Guardian

Still, he acknowledged the company's right to take a stance.

The Washington Post

Should one attempt to take a stance that is somehow neutral on religious questions?

Princeton University

"We need the U.S., Russia and others to take a stance.

The New York Times

CNN's Peter Hamby reported that even when pressed, Mr. Romney refused to take a stance.

The New York Times

I realised we could take a stance against this kind of bullying.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He decided to make the film as a plea to world leaders to take a stance.

The Guardian

I wish it wasn't something you had to take a stance on".

The Guardian - Music

The models are required to take a stance instead of simply standing.

The Washington Post

It's the first Wall Street bank to take a stance on gun control.

The New York Times

It has always been easy to take a stance on Hartley's misdeeds – no moral compass required.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take a stance" when you want to emphasize the act of making a clear and definite decision on a particular issue, often in the face of opposition or uncertainty.

Common error

Avoid using "take a stance" when you merely mean to acknowledge an issue without committing to a specific viewpoint or action. Instead, use phrases like "recognize the issue" or "consider the matter" to convey neutrality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take a stance" functions primarily as a verbal phrase indicating the action of adopting a specific viewpoint or position on an issue. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is a correct and usable part of a sentence. Examples show its usage in news, academic, and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take a stance" is a versatile and widely used expression that signifies adopting a clear and definite position on a particular issue. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, academia, and business. When you want to emphasize your commitment to a specific viewpoint, "take a stance" is the ideal choice. Remember to use it when you're not just acknowledging an issue but actively committing to a particular viewpoint. Alternatives such as "take a position" or "adopt a stance" can also be used depending on the nuance you want to convey. With practice and attention to context, you can effectively use "take a stance" to communicate your opinions and influence others.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a position

Expresses a similar idea of adopting a viewpoint but is more general.

take a stand

Implies a more forceful and public declaration of one's position, often against something.

adopt a position

Focuses on the adoption process rather than the declaration.

adopt a stance

Similar to adopt a position but emphasizes a more considered and deliberate approach.

formulate an opinion

Focuses on the development of an opinion rather than its public expression.

develop a viewpoint

Highlights the process of developing a specific perspective.

embrace a belief

Emphasizes the internal acceptance of a belief rather than its external declaration.

espouse a cause

Suggests active support and advocacy for a particular cause.

draw a conclusion

Focuses on reaching a conclusion based on evidence or reasoning.

arrive at a decision

Highlights the decision-making process rather than the public declaration of a position.

FAQs

What does it mean to "take a stance"?

To "take a stance" means to adopt a clear position or opinion on a particular issue, especially when there are differing viewpoints or potential controversy.

How do you use "take a stance" in a sentence?

You can use "take a stance" to indicate that someone is expressing a firm opinion or making a definite decision. For example: "The company decided to "take a stance" on environmental issues."

What can I say instead of "take a stance"?

You can use alternatives like "take a position", "take a stand", or "adopt a position" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to "take a stance"?

It's appropriate to "take a stance" when you feel strongly about an issue and want to clearly communicate your opinion, especially if your viewpoint can influence others or contribute to a resolution. However, consider if it's more appropriate to "remain neutral" in some circumstances.