11.   But as the process continued, the presidents softened that stance.

12.   But he softened his stance Thursday.

13.   But Kim may be making a miscalculation, and indeed the government Saturday seemed to be scrambling to soften its stance.

14.   But Patterson softened his stance Wednesday in the face of widespread protests and calls for his resignation.

15.   But most denominations have resisted softening their stance on homosexuality, even if it makes church politics more divisive.

16.   But there are signs Beijing is softening its stance.

17.   But this year, with the size of the surpluses growing almost monthly, Clinton softened his stance to allow for new spending.

18.   By the beginning of the summer, Ed and J.T. had softened their stance.

19.   District officials softened their stance, making it easier for parents to opt out of Spanish instruction.

20.   Earlier this week, amid talk of a push for the amendment in the new Republican-led Congress, Clinton signaled he was softening his stance.