firm

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'firm' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a noun or an adjective. Examples: Noun: I am looking for a new accounting firm to handle my taxes. Adjective: She was firm in her decision to quit her job.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In what appeared to be pointed criticism of increasingly firm rhetoric from Cameron on multinational tax engineering, Carr insisted tax avoidance "cannot be about morality – there are no absolutes".

The Guardian - Tech

It has emerged that The Smiler was manufactured by German firm Gerstlauer, which also built the trains for a rollercoaster in Six Flags Park in Texas from which a woman fell to her death in 2013.

The Guardian

The firm attempted to maintain its profitability by marginally reducing the proportion of revenue set aside to pay staff to 36.8% from 36.9%.

The Guardian - Business

Tony Abbott is holding firm against calls to send Australian medical experts to west Africa to help contain the Ebola virus, saying that other countries have yet to give firm commitments to assist in evacuations.

The Guardian

He was rewarded with a firm handshake from the official, who had previously awarded the goal but now disallowed it.

The Guardian - Sport

"Nicola Sturgeon won that debate tonight," said Sam, 27, who works for a gambling firm and is wavering between Labour and the Tories.

The Guardian

However, we have to be firm in protecting our core national interest … When you play chess you have a number of pieces on the board, but when talking about a country, you're talking about how many planes you have, how many submarines.

The Guardian

The San Francisco-based firm also said on Thursday that it had set up a software development team in Amsterdam, its international headquarters.

The Guardian - Tech

Many will firm up their decision - and in fact more than half of Britons say they may still change their mind.

The Guardian

But it is a firm part of his image.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It was like a letter from home or the firm handshake of someone you admire and trust".

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "firm" as an adjective, ensure the noun it modifies is clear and specific to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "firm handshake" instead of just "firm".

Common error

Avoid using "firm" when referring to an agricultural business. "Farm" is the correct term for businesses involved in agriculture.

Linguistic Context

The word "firm" functions as both an adjective and a noun. As an adjective, it describes something that is solid, resolute, or steadfast. As a noun, it typically refers to a business organization.Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

22%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "firm" is a versatile term used as both an adjective and a noun. As an adjective, it denotes qualities like solidity and resoluteness. As a noun, it commonly refers to a business or organization. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. When writing, be mindful of the context to ensure you are using the correct meaning of "firm", and avoid confusion with similar-sounding words like "farm". Alternative phrases such as "steadfast", "solid", and "company" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

steadfast

Emphasizes unwavering commitment or loyalty.

unwavering

Stresses a resolute and unchanging stance or belief.

resolute

Highlights a determined and unwavering decision.

solid

Focuses on the physical or metaphorical strength and stability.

unyielding

Implies resistance to pressure or attempts to change something.

stable

Highlights the quality of being steady and not easily changed.

company

Refers specifically to a business enterprise.

hard

Focuses on the unyielding nature of a substance or decision.

business

A general term for a commercial enterprise or activity.

establishment

Refers to a business or organization with a recognized standing.

FAQs

How to use "firm" in a sentence?

As an adjective, "firm" describes something solid or resolute, like "a firm grip". As a noun, it refers to a business, such as "an accounting firm".

What can I say instead of "firm"?

You can use alternatives like "steadfast", "solid", or "company" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "firm believer" or "farm believer"?

"Firm believer" is correct when describing someone with a strong conviction. "Farm believer" is not a standard expression.

What's the difference between a "firm" and a "company"?

While both "firm" and "company" refer to businesses, "firm" often implies a partnership or professional service, while "company" is a more general term.