took the position that

USAGE SUMMARY

'took the position that' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a specific opinion or standpoint that someone has on a particular issue. For example: The CEO took the position that the company should invest in new technology to remain competitive.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But we took the position that we have to open".

The New York Times - Style

It took the position that its response to Bannercraft's requests fulfilled its obligations under the FOIA.

Cornell University

The government took the position that it owed them little or nothing.

The New York Times

The Cambodian government took the position that no one was compelled to testify before the ECCC.

The New York Times

Mr. Panetta also took the position that the committee should make no further defense cuts, either.

The New York Times

The Discourse on Miracles took the position that miracles provide merely a "probable proof" of revelation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At first, the testing service took the position that impersonations and cheating were isolated.

The New York Times

Replay Networks, now called ReplayTV, at first took the position that the networks' interests were irrelevant.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. O'Looney said the department took the position that questioning violated neither set of guidelines.

The New York Times

Basically, the government took the position that it did not recognize the American sanctions.

The New York Times

Since the state act provided a remedy, the state took the position that Federal equity jurisdiction was ousted.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "took the position that", consider the context and whether a more nuanced verb (e.g., argued, maintained, suggested) might more accurately reflect the nature of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "took the position that" to create overly passive constructions. Instead of "It was took the position that...", rephrase to "The company took the position that..." for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took the position that" functions as a reporting verb phrase, used to introduce a statement of belief, opinion, or stance held by a person or entity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "took the position that" is a versatile and commonly used phrase for reporting someone's stance or opinion. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a correct and usable phrase in English. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts, particularly news, academic writing, and encyclopedias. While synonyms like "argued that" or "maintained that" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When writing, avoid overuse in passive constructions and ensure accurate attribution. The phrase is valuable for clearly and directly communicating perspectives, contributing to informed and objective reporting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adopted the stance that

Focuses on the choice of a particular attitude or approach.

maintained that

Emphasizes a firm and consistent holding of a belief or opinion.

held that

Indicates a sustained and considered belief or opinion.

argued that

Highlights the act of presenting reasons or evidence to support a claim.

asserted that

Suggests a confident and forceful declaration of a statement.

contended that

Implies a more argumentative or debated stance.

expressed the view that

A more formal way of stating an opinion.

believed that

A more general expression of holding an opinion or conviction.

claimed that

Can imply a questioning of the validity of the statement.

professed that

Implies openly declaring a belief or feeling, often with a hint of insincerity.

FAQs

How can I use "took the position that" in a sentence?

Use "took the position that" to indicate a specific stance or opinion someone has adopted, such as "The lawyer "took the position that" the evidence was inadmissible".

What's a more formal alternative to "took the position that"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "maintained that" or "asserted that". These alternatives convey a similar meaning with a heightened sense of formality.

Is there a difference between "took the position that" and "argued that"?

"Took the position that" indicates a stance, while "argued that" implies presenting reasons or evidence to support a claim. The best choice depends on whether you're highlighting a viewpoint or the act of defending it.

What are some synonyms for "took the position that"?

Synonyms include "held that", "believed that", and "claimed that". The most appropriate choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.