Withstand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Withstand" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the ability to resist or endure something, such as pressure, challenges, or adverse conditions. Example: "The materials used in the construction of the bridge are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There are very few health systems in the world that could withstand a health crisis on this scale, but it is right to say we need to learn lessons from how the WHO and the international community responded.

The Guardian

Reassertion of a party's moral purpose encourages its supporters to withstand the periods of hard pounding that every government has to endure.

The Guardian - Opinion

Osborne said the package of measures agreed in July to provide financial support for troubled members of the single currency needed to be implemented, as well as ensuring banks had enough capital to withstand market pressures.

The Guardian - Business

As part of the partnership with the Rockefeller Foundation, a dedicated section within Guardian Cities will focus on the issue of urban resilience, the ability of a city to prepare for, withstand, and rebound more quickly and effectively from acute shocks and chronic stresses.

The Guardian

Today, The Rockefeller Foundation pursues this mission through dual goals: advancing inclusive economies that expand opportunities for more broadly shared prosperity, and building resilience by helping people, communities and institutions prepare for, withstand, and emerge stronger from acute shocks and chronic stresses.

The Guardian

To withstand life on land, where his every movement is difficult, the male will build up reserves, ready to lose a third of his massive bodyweight during this trying period of vigilance, fighting and sex.

The Guardian - Travel

Since the ACA was signed into law in 2010, it has miraculously managed to withstand "Hitler death panel" comparisons, state by state efforts to block its implementation, a US supreme court challenge to its constitutionality and, most recently, a defunding effort that led to the federal government shutdown.

The Guardian - Opinion

Cale Hooker was the unlikely hero when he put his side back in front with a snapped goal with 57 seconds remaining, but the Bombers had to withstand one final assault.

The Guardian - Sport

No country in Europe would be able to withstand such an onslaught because we have very different social security systems.

The Guardian

Both sides had lost five semi-finals in the previous six seasons and it was the Dons who always looked like ending their run when Hayes opened the scoring in the third minute, although they had to withstand some concerted pressure before doubling their lead through Pawlett.

The Guardian - Sport

But the home side had to withstand the visitors pulling a goal back seven minutes after the interval and defender Bilel Mohsni being sent off after 61 minutes to maintain their 23-point advantage at the top.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a system's robustness, use "withstand" to highlight its capacity to endure specific stresses or challenges, such as "The bridge is designed to "withstand" earthquakes."

Common error

Avoid using "withstand" with prepositions like "against" or "from". "Withstand" already implies resistance, so saying "withstand against" is redundant. Instead, use "withstand" directly followed by the object of resistance.

Linguistic Context

Withstand functions primarily as a verb, indicating the ability to resist or endure something successfully. As Ludwig AI suggests, this verb is commonly employed to describe the capacity to oppose something forcefully or endure hardship. Examples from Ludwig showcases its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

27%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "withstand" is a versatile verb that communicates the ability to resist or endure challenges successfully. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions grammatically as a verb and is frequently used in various contexts, including news, business, and science. It is generally appropriate for neutral to formal registers and should not be used with redundant prepositions like "against". Consider using alternative phrases like "resist" or "endure" for nuanced meanings. By understanding its grammatical function, usage patterns, and common errors, writers can effectively use "withstand" to convey strength and resilience in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Resist

Focuses more on active opposition or preventing something from happening.

Endure

Emphasizes the ability to suffer or put up with something difficult over a period of time.

Stand firm

Conveys unwavering resolve and resistance to change or pressure.

Hold out against

Suggests a prolonged resistance, often against an attack or pressure.

Weather

Specifically refers to surviving a difficult period or situation, often related to natural events.

Hold up

Suggests maintaining integrity or functionality under stress or pressure.

Defy

Implies open disobedience or resistance to authority or power.

Overcome

Focuses on successfully dealing with and moving past a challenge or obstacle.

Bear

Highlights the capacity to tolerate or carry a burden.

Cope with

Emphasizes the ability to manage or deal with a difficult situation.

FAQs

How can I use "withstand" in a sentence?

Use "withstand" to indicate the ability to resist or endure something successfully. For instance, "The building is designed to "withstand hurricanes"".

What are some alternatives to "withstand"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "resist", "endure", or "hold out against".

Is it correct to say "withstand against"?

No, saying "withstand against" is redundant. The verb "withstand" already implies resistance, so using "against" is unnecessary. Just use "withstand" directly followed by the thing being resisted, for example: "withstand pressure".

What is the difference between "withstand" and "endure"?

"Withstand" emphasizes resisting or opposing something successfully, while "endure" focuses on bearing or tolerating something difficult over time. You withstand an attack but endure hardship.