be firmly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be firmly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when emphasizing the need for strength or certainty in a statement or action. Example: "You must be firmly committed to your goals if you want to achieve success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That temptation should be firmly resisted.

The Economist

This calumny must be firmly rejected.

The New Yorker

The origin of incidental music cannot be firmly established.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"It needs to be firmly placed in the American consciousness".

The New York Times

In future, those doors might be firmly shut.

The Guardian

The upper ranks of the military are said to be firmly behind him.

The New York Times

Attempts by would-be gatekeepers to make it closed and proprietary must be firmly resisted.

The Economist

The anti-corruption spotlight will be firmly on the UK between now and Christmas.

The Guardian - Opinion

All told, the evidence on net value creation has yet to be firmly established.

The New York Times

But until all avenues of appeal are exhausted, the precedent will not be firmly set.

The Economist

They are now considered to be firmly within the party's mainstream.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be firmly" to emphasize the strength or security of an attachment, belief, or action. For example: "The foundation must be firmly established before construction begins."

Common error

Avoid using "be firmly" in overly casual conversation; opt for simpler, more relaxed phrasing. In formal writing and speech, it maintains clarity and impact, but can sound stilted in everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be firmly" primarily functions as a modifier, emphasizing the strength, stability, or definiteness of the state or action indicated by the verb. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts, as demonstrated through its extensive examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be firmly" is a versatile construction used to emphasize strength, stability, or decisiveness in various contexts. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse domains. The primary function is to modify a verb, reinforcing its intended meaning. While versatile, the register tends towards neutral to formal, often appearing in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources. Common alternatives include "be resolutely" and "be steadfastly". When using "be firmly", it is important to ensure its appropriateness for the intended audience and context, avoiding overuse in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be resolutely

Implies a strong determination and unwavering commitment, similar to "be firmly", but emphasizes the mental aspect of resolve.

be steadfastly

Indicates unwavering adherence to a course of action or belief, akin to "be firmly", but focuses on loyalty and consistency.

be strongly

Focuses on the intensity or forcefulness of an action or belief, similar to "be firmly", but emphasizes the degree of strength.

be securely

Highlights the safety and stability of something, resembling "be firmly", but emphasizes the absence of risk or vulnerability.

be solidly

Suggests a strong and stable foundation or structure, akin to "be firmly", but emphasizes the physical or metaphorical solidity.

be unshakeably

Emphasizes the inability to be moved or doubted, similar to "be firmly", but stresses the resistance to influence.

be immovably

Indicates a fixed and unchangeable position or stance, like "be firmly", but highlights the lack of movement or flexibility.

be decisively

Focuses on the clarity and lack of hesitation in a decision or action, similar to "be firmly", but emphasizes the decisiveness aspect.

be rigidly

Implies strict adherence to rules or standards, akin to "be firmly", but can suggest inflexibility or lack of adaptability.

be consistently

Highlights the reliability and regularity of something, similar to "be firmly", but stresses the continuous nature of the action.

FAQs

How can I use "be firmly" in a sentence?

The phrase "be firmly" is used to emphasize the strength, security, or decisiveness of an action or belief. For example, "The company's commitment to sustainability must be firmly established" or "The door should "be firmly closed" to prevent drafts".

What are some alternatives to "be firmly"?

Alternatives to "be firmly" include "be resolutely", "be steadfastly", or "be strongly". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "be firmly" or "firmly be"?

The correct order is "be firmly". In English grammar, adverbs like "firmly" typically come after the verb "be". "Firmly be" is grammatically incorrect in most contexts.

What's the difference between "be firmly" and "be rigidly"?

"Be firmly" suggests strength and stability, while "be rigidly" implies strict adherence to rules or standards, potentially lacking flexibility. For example: "The policy should be firmly enforced" versus "The rules are rigidly applied".