Meaning & use
take a position against
Last updated
Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
to state publicly that you oppose something, especially as a group or organization
Grammar: Used with an object after 'against': take a position against something. The subject is usually a person or group, not a thing.
Patterns
- take a position against something
- take a position against doing something
The council took a position against building a new airport near the town.
Several scientists took a position against the use of the chemical in farming.
The party took a position against raising taxes for small businesses.
phrasefixed phrase
to decide firmly that you are opposed to something in a personal or moral sense
Grammar: Often used for personal beliefs, not just public statements. It can be followed by 'against' + noun or -ing form.
Patterns
- take a position against something
- take a position against doing something
She took a position against eating meat after learning how animals are raised.
Many parents took a position against the school's new phone policy.
He took a position against the war and refused to support it.
Common combinations
- take a strong position against
- The union took a strong position against the pay cuts.
- take a clear position against
- The mayor took a clear position against the development plan.
- take a public position against
- The company took a public position against the new law.
- take a position against something
- They took a position against the proposal at the meeting.
Synonyms and how they differ
- oppose
- More direct and common; you can oppose something without saying so publicly, while taking a position usually means making your view known.
- object to
- Suggests a formal complaint or disagreement, often in a meeting or legal setting, and is followed by 'to'.
- come out against
- Informal and journalistic; it emphasizes making your opposition public, often suddenly.
Opposites
Commonly confused: take a position against or take a position on?
take a position against vs take a position on
This means to have or state an opinion about something, which may be for or against. 'Take a position against' is only for opposition.
Practice
The group decided to take a position _____ the new highway through the forest.
Choose one answer.
'Against' shows opposition, which fits the context of objecting to the highway. 'On' would mean they simply discussed it, and 'for' would mean they supported it, which is the opposite meaning.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “take a position against”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.