taking a clear stance

USAGE SUMMARY

"taking a clear stance" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when you need to express that someone has made a strong and unambiguous decision about something. E.g. "The candidate took a clear stance on climate change, vowing to implement a range of measures to reduce carbon emissions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

By taking a clear stance on Brexit, the CBI differs from the smaller business lobby group the British Chambers of Commerce, which is trying to be impartial.

The Guardian

This process requires taking a clear stance aligned with beneficiaries and other allied constituents, building coalitions and constructive positions with them, and countering coercive constituents who act destructively towards humanitarian principles.

Journal of International Humanitarian Action

I believe their argument is wrong and I am taking a clear stance against it.

Huffington Post

Gardner's hedging has frustrated his opponents, who say he's avoiding taking a clear stance.

Huffington Post

Taking a clear stance against violations of human rights requires action -- mine almost always has involved words -- writing has been my way of breaking the wall of silence.

Huffington Post

Since launching her current presidential campaign, though, she has repeatedly weaseled out of taking a clear stance on the deal, and as recently as last Tuesday, she was being singled out for her wishy-washiness.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Some noted that the company was taking a clearer stance against white supremacy than President Donald Trump, who said "many sides" were guilty of "hatred, bigotry, and violence" in Charlottesville.

Huffington Post

"The Lebanese government should take a clear stance.

The New York Times

By those yardsticks "Own the Night" takes a clear stance.

The New York Times - Arts

The Dutch have indeed taken a clear stance in defence of their beloved Pete.

Independent

They take a clear stance against the prevalent idea that "Kebab-Norwegian" poses a threat to the Norwegian language.

Linguistics and Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "taking a clear stance" when you want to highlight a deliberate and unambiguous decision or opinion.

Common error

Avoid using "taking a clear stance" excessively in nuanced discussions where a more balanced or exploratory approach might be more appropriate. Overuse can make the writing sound overly assertive or simplistic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking a clear stance" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the act of adopting a specific, unambiguous position or opinion. It is commonly used to describe someone's decisive action, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "taking a clear stance" is a commonly used phrase that indicates the act of adopting a definite and unambiguous position. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and professional settings. The phrase emphasizes clarity and decisiveness, with alternative options available to highlight different aspects of the action. While it's a useful expression, it's important to avoid overuse and ensure its relevance to the complexity of the narrative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adopting a firm position

Emphasizes the firmness and resoluteness of the decision.

establishing a definite standpoint

Highlights the creation and clarity of the opinion.

making a decisive statement

Focuses on the act of declaring a clear choice.

taking a resolute position

Highlights the determination and unwavering nature of the decision.

drawing a distinct line

Emphasizes setting a clear boundary or separation.

assuming a categorical perspective

Highlights the comprehensiveness and certainty of the view.

articulating a transparent viewpoint

Focuses on the clarity and openness of the expressed belief.

expressing an unambiguous opinion

Stresses the lack of ambiguity or uncertainty in the opinion.

putting forward a straightforward argument

Highlights the directness and simplicity of the argument.

declaring an explicit choice

Emphasizes the open and specific declaration of the selection.

FAQs

How can I use "taking a clear stance" in a sentence?

You can use "taking a clear stance" to indicate that someone has made a definite decision or expressed a firm opinion about something. For example, "The politician is /s/taking+a+clear+stance on the new environmental regulations".

What is an alternative to "taking a clear stance"?

Alternatives include "adopting a firm position", "establishing a definite standpoint", or "making a decisive statement", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "taking a clear stance" or "taking a strong stance"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "taking a clear stance" emphasizes clarity and lack of ambiguity, while "taking a strong stance" emphasizes the intensity and forcefulness of the opinion. The choice depends on the context.

What does it mean to say someone is "taking a clear stance"?

It means they are expressing a definite and unambiguous opinion or position on a particular issue, leaving no doubt about where they stand.