tenable position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tenable position" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a viewpoint, argument, or stance that is defensible or sustainable in a discussion or debate. Example: "The researcher presented a tenable position on climate change that was supported by extensive data and analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

The play progresses to the only tenable position: guilt.

The Guardian

But that is increasingly becoming a less tenable position.

The New York Times

"This isn't a tenable position for you to take, in my view," Mr. Carnes wrote.

The New York Times

But, he says, acceptance by society of atheism as a tenable position is growing.

The Economist

That's a tenable position, but it's politically dicey — particularly for Republicans, since the elderly are among their biggest supporters.

The New Yorker

She drew the political divide instead between "the globalists and the nationals," a distinction that leaves Sarkozy no tenable position.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

And it does not serve Sir Ian either: the longer the episode remains unexplained, the less tenable his position becomes.

The Economist

Yet the more the market grows, the less tenable that position becomes.Despite all this, the private and independent higher-education sector is growing fast.

The Economist

In a press conference, he was asked how tenable his position as Bank chief was after the triumph of a leave campaign that had repeatedly accused him of politicising his role.

The Guardian - Business

This may be a tenable bargaining position for, say, Burkina Faso, but not for a nation boasting the world's third-largest economy as well as the planet's largest emissions of carbon dioxide.

Forbes

But the same can be said of various purely mereological principles, such as the Transitivity of Parthood, and this is often treated as a non-negotiable constraint that any tenable metaphysical position must obey.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tenable position" to describe a viewpoint, strategy, or situation that is defensible with facts or logic. Be prepared to provide supporting evidence when asserting that something is a "tenable position".

Common error

Avoid presenting a position as "tenable" when it lacks sufficient evidence or relies on flawed reasoning. A truly "tenable position" should withstand scrutiny and address potential counterarguments effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tenable position" functions as an adjective-noun phrase within a sentence. It typically serves to describe a stance, argument, or viewpoint as being defensible, justifiable, or sustainable. Ludwig provides examples that showcase its use in various contexts, such as political discussions, strategic analyses, and ethical considerations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tenable position" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a stance, argument, or viewpoint that is defensible or justifiable. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across various contexts, primarily in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. It is a phrase that conveys the strength and rationality of a particular viewpoint, suitable for formal and neutral communication. While there are no common errors associated with its usage, it is important to use the phrase when the position in question is genuinely supported by evidence and sound reasoning. Alternatives like "defensible position", "sustainable position", and "justifiable stance" offer similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defensible position

Replaces "tenable" with "defensible", emphasizing the ability to protect or justify the position.

defendable stance

Similar to 'defensible position' but using 'stance' for slight variation.

sustainable position

Substitutes "tenable" with "sustainable", highlighting the position's ability to be maintained over time.

justifiable stance

Replaces both words, emphasizing the position's ability to be shown as right or reasonable.

supportable argument

Replaces "position" with "argument", framing it as a claim that can be backed up with evidence.

valid argument

Replaces position with the word argument which implies the line of reasoning.

plausible viewpoint

Replaces both words, conveying that the perspective is believable and likely.

reasonable assertion

Emphasizes that position is fair, appropriate, and justifiable.

maintainable stance

Focuses on the ability to uphold the position without contradiction or difficulty.

arguable point

Emphasizes that the position is open to discussion and can be defended with reasoning.

FAQs

How can I use "tenable position" in a sentence?

You can use "tenable position" to describe a stance or viewpoint that is defensible or justifiable. For example: "The lawyer argued that his client's alibi was a "tenable position", supported by multiple witnesses."

What's the difference between "tenable position" and "sustainable position"?

"Tenable position" implies that a viewpoint can be defended with evidence or logic, while "sustainable position" suggests that it can be maintained over time without collapsing or becoming unviable. They both mean that the position is valid in the sense that it can be maintained.

What are some alternatives to "tenable position"?

Alternatives include "defensible position", "justifiable stance", or "supportable argument", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "tenable position"?

Use "tenable position" when you want to emphasize that a particular stance or viewpoint is reasonable, well-supported, and capable of withstanding scrutiny or opposition. It is appropriate in academic, professional, and general contexts where clear reasoning and evidence are valued.