In 15 Seconds
- Use it to add extra evidence to your current point.
- Perfect for debates, interviews, and persuasive writing.
- Signals that you have a logical, well-thought-out argument.
Meaning
This phrase is used to add more proof or evidence to an idea you already mentioned. It is like adding a second layer of bricks to a wall to make it much harder to knock down.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a job interview
I have five years of experience, and to strengthen this position, I also hold a Master's degree.
I have five years of experience, and to strengthen this position, I also hold a Master's degree.
Discussing climate change with a friend
The ice caps are melting, and to strengthen this position, look at the record-breaking heatwaves this year.
The ice caps are melting, and to strengthen this position, look at the record-breaking heatwaves this year.
A formal business meeting
Our sales are up 10%, and to strengthen this position, our customer retention has also doubled.
Our sales are up 10%, and to strengthen this position, our customer retention has also doubled.
Cultural Background
In American business culture, 'strengthening a position' is often associated with 'The Art of the Deal' mentality—it's about leverage and winning a negotiation. In British academic circles, this phrase is used to maintain a 'stiff upper lip' of logical superiority. It's about being intellectually unassailable. While the phrase exists, Japanese professionals might use it to build 'consensus' (Nemawashi) rather than to 'defeat' an opponent's argument. In many Arabic-speaking business contexts, strengthening a position involves citing long-standing relationships and trust (Wasta) alongside data.
The 'Data Pivot'
Use this phrase to pivot from a 'soft' reason (like an opinion) to a 'hard' reason (like a statistic). It makes you sound incredibly persuasive.
Don't Overuse 'This'
Ensure the 'position' you are referring to was clearly stated in the previous sentence. If you've talked about three different things, 'this position' will be confusing.
In 15 Seconds
- Use it to add extra evidence to your current point.
- Perfect for debates, interviews, and persuasive writing.
- Signals that you have a logical, well-thought-out argument.
What It Means
Think of your argument as a physical building. When you say to strengthen this position, you are literally adding support beams. You have already stated what you believe. Now, you are bringing in a heavy-duty fact or a new perspective. This makes your original point much harder for someone else to argue against. It is about building momentum in a conversation.
How To Use It
You usually say this right after you have made a good point. It acts as a bridge. You state your first reason, then say, To strengthen this position, let's look at the data. It signals to your listener that you aren't done yet. You are about to drop a 'truth bomb' that confirms everything you just said. It is a very confident way to speak.
When To Use It
This is a powerhouse phrase for serious moments. Use it in a job interview when explaining why you are the best fit. Use it during a debate with a friend about which movie is better. It works perfectly in essays or business presentations. It shows you have a logical mind. You aren't just guessing; you have a layered strategy.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for tiny, unimportant things. If you are arguing about what pizza topping to get, it sounds a bit dramatic. Saying To strengthen this position, pineapple is a fruit might make your friends laugh at you. Avoid it in very casual texting unless you are being intentionally sarcastic. It can feel a bit 'stiff' if the vibe is relaxed.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking professional culture, logic is king. We love a well-structured argument. This phrase comes from the world of law and military strategy. It implies that a 'position' is something you must defend. It reflects a culture that values evidence-based persuasion. It is the language of someone who wants to be taken seriously.
Common Variations
You might hear people say to bolster this argument or to support this claim. If they are feeling fancy, they might say to reinforce this stance. All of them do the same job. They tell the listener: 'Wait, I have even more proof!' Just pick the one that feels most natural to your voice.
Usage Notes
This is a C2-level phrase that shows high proficiency. It is best suited for formal writing, public speaking, or high-stakes negotiations. Avoid using it in very casual settings like a bar or a playground.
The 'Data Pivot'
Use this phrase to pivot from a 'soft' reason (like an opinion) to a 'hard' reason (like a statistic). It makes you sound incredibly persuasive.
Don't Overuse 'This'
Ensure the 'position' you are referring to was clearly stated in the previous sentence. If you've talked about three different things, 'this position' will be confusing.
The 'Power Move'
In high-level negotiations, saying 'To strengthen this position' can be a power move that signals you have more resources or evidence than the other side expected.
Examples
6I have five years of experience, and to strengthen this position, I also hold a Master's degree.
I have five years of experience, and to strengthen this position, I also hold a Master's degree.
Adds a formal qualification to a practical experience claim.
The ice caps are melting, and to strengthen this position, look at the record-breaking heatwaves this year.
The ice caps are melting, and to strengthen this position, look at the record-breaking heatwaves this year.
Uses a real-world observation to back up a scientific fact.
Our sales are up 10%, and to strengthen this position, our customer retention has also doubled.
Our sales are up 10%, and to strengthen this position, our customer retention has also doubled.
Connects two positive metrics to show overall company health.
The tacos are cheap, and to strengthen this position, they have the best spicy salsa in town!
The tacos are cheap, and to strengthen this position, they have the best spicy salsa in town!
Slightly formal language used for a casual topic to add humorous emphasis.
Dogs protect the house, and to strengthen this position, they never judge you for eating cheese at 3 AM.
Dogs protect the house, and to strengthen this position, they never judge you for eating cheese at 3 AM.
Uses a formal structure to deliver a funny, relatable point.
I miss you all, and to strengthen this position, the kids really need to grow up around their grandparents.
I miss you all, and to strengthen this position, the kids really need to grow up around their grandparents.
Adds a practical family benefit to a personal feeling.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
The witness provided a detailed alibi. __________, her lawyer presented a plane ticket.
We need the infinitive of purpose 'To' + the verb 'strengthen' + the demonstrative 'this position'.
Which situation is MOST appropriate for this phrase?
Where would you likely hear 'To strengthen this position'?
The phrase is highly formal and academic, making a scientific conference the perfect setting.
Match the synonym to the context.
Match the following:
Each synonym fits a specific level of formality and context.
Fill in the missing line in this formal dialogue.
CEO: 'We believe the market is ready for a premium electric SUV.' Consultant: '__________ , our surveys show that 60% of luxury car owners are looking to switch to electric next year.'
The consultant is adding evidence to the CEO's claim, making 'To strengthen this position' the most professional choice.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesThe witness provided a detailed alibi. __________, her lawyer presented a plane ticket.
We need the infinitive of purpose 'To' + the verb 'strengthen' + the demonstrative 'this position'.
Where would you likely hear 'To strengthen this position'?
The phrase is highly formal and academic, making a scientific conference the perfect setting.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Each synonym fits a specific level of formality and context.
CEO: 'We believe the market is ready for a premium electric SUV.' Consultant: '__________ , our surveys show that 60% of luxury car owners are looking to switch to electric next year.'
The consultant is adding evidence to the CEO's claim, making 'To strengthen this position' the most professional choice.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, 'strong' is an adjective. You must use the verb 'strengthen'.
Yes, if the email is about a serious proposal or a strategic decision. It is very professional.
'Strengthen' is more general. 'Bolster' often implies adding support to something that might otherwise fail or sag.
Yes, e.g., 'We added more data to strengthen this position.' However, starting the sentence with it is more rhetorically powerful.
In this phrase, it almost always refers to an opinion, an argument, or a strategic situation in business/politics.
Yes, it is equally common in both British and American formal English.
Absolutely. Using 'my' or 'our' makes it more personal to your own stance.
It is a standard formal idiom. While common, it isn't usually considered a tired cliché because it serves a clear functional purpose.
Only if you are joking. 'To strengthen this position, I also brought you flowers' sounds like a funny, over-the-top way to apologize.
'To weaken this position' or 'To undermine this argument.'
Related Phrases
To bolster this argument
synonymTo provide support for a specific logical claim.
To reinforce this point
similarTo make a single point stronger.
To undermine this position
contrastTo make an argument or stance weaker.
To solidify one's standing
builds onTo make one's reputation or status secure.
