"taking a firm stand" is correct and it can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when you need to describe someone who is resolute in their beliefs or decisions. For example, "The mayor took a firm stand against the unpopular plan to increase taxes."
And Washington does have a powerful potential prod: taking a firm stand on how to end the conflict.
They are behind the government in taking a firm stand & being prepared for military action, if necessary.
Clinton has trouble taking a firm stand; Gore was the house moralist, the advocate for the option that would represent the unpopular, tough, but right thing to do.
And the Bernanke Fed, which should be taking a firm stand against these skewed priorities, is instead letting itself be bullied into following the herd.
Woodrow Wilson, the President, was a Democrat, and his party was divided on Prohibition, so he was not eager to divide it further by taking a firm stand.
Alabama's supreme court is taking a firm stand against gay marriage, barring local probate judges from issuing licenses to gay and lesbian couples.
So by taking a firmer stand against bugs and making their programs more reliable, software firms can also improve security.Microsoft is now making a particular effort to improve its reputation for shoddy security.
There have been concerns that the hawkish Mr. Abe may provoke China by taking a firmer stand against that nation's increasingly assertive claims to disputed islands, known as the Senkakus in Japan and the Diaoyu in Chinese.
Another Syrian clergy member who is active with the opposition faulted his fellow religious leaders for not taking a firmer stand, saying that of the clergy leaders he knew, only five or so could be considered opponents of the government.
NICHOLS: When I feel worst say to myself, "At least the government has taken a firm stand".
Saudi Arabia has become the first Arab country to take a firm stand against the Syrian regime's killing of civilians.
