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What is the difference between “Where do you stand” and “What do you think”? “Where do you stand on ...?” is a new phrase I learned today from short video. I don’t understand exactly how it is different from “what do you think...?”. When and where is the phrase used? Do you use it to friends? Thank you!

Corrections · 6

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What is the difference between “Where do you stand” and “What do you think”?
What is the difference between, “Where do you stand” and “What do you think”?
[a comma may be used before a quotation - it provides a short pause]

“Where do you stand on ...?” is a new phrase I learned today from A short video.

I don’t understand exactly how it is different from “what do you think...?”.
I don’t understand exactly how it is different from, “what do you think...?”. 
[a comma may be used before a quotation - it provides a short pause]

When and where is the phrase used? CORRECT

Do you use it to WITH friends?

Thank you!

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"What do you think" simply asks for a person's opinion, which may be right or wrong or not certain.
The question is informal.

"Where do you stand" asks for one's opinion about something or someone that you are certain of. In other words, it means that the person feels very strongly about something or is even completely sure of their opinion.
This question is more formal.

Cambridge dictionary explains "where do you stand" at this link: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/know-where-you-stand


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Thank you, everyone for your explanations!
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Like Michelle said, "Where do you stand?" is usually used in more controversial contexts than is "What do you think?" Another difference is the word that follows the phrases: "Where do you stand ON..." or "Where do you stand CONCERNING..." vs "What do you think ABOUT..." But yes, I would use both when talking to friends, but I only use "Where do you stand..." when discussing politics or social movements, whereas I can use "What do you think..." in both political /and/ casual contexts. Hope that's helpful! Ide
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I agree with Mich. Your stance on something is your policy on a particular issue. Where as your thoughts on something could be just in the moment. "What do you think of my shoes?" "Where do you stand on gender equality?"
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I think asking "where do you stand" is a lot stronger than "what do you think". You could search "to take a stand" to get an idea of the meaning of "standing" in this sense. It is common to ask "what do you think?" but not common to ask "where do you stand?". I would only use "where do you stand" on topics which are controversial (lots of people argue about it). For example: "What do you think about my new car?" "Where do you stand on gay marriage?" Hope this helps! Michelle (https://www.italki.com/michelle)

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