held fast

USAGE SUMMARY

"held fast" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something being securely held in place or staying in the same place. For example: The sheets were held fast to the bed by heavy-duty elastic straps.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Luckily it held fast, but needs replacing.

The Economist

A few have held fast.

The New York Times

The first two swung open, but the third held fast.

The New Yorker

I held fast to that principle until I was 50.

The New York Times - Books

In a world swamped by irony, he's held fast.

The New York Times

The rest of the industry has held fast.

The New York Times

The cat tried to run but the string held fast.

The Guardian - Books

It has held fast to the cool white box.

The New York Times - Arts

The penalty killers, Boyle, Brandon Dubinsky and Dan Girardi, held fast.

The New York Times - Sports

And so I remain held fast to him, in spite of the icy winds within.

The New Yorker

He clung to the couch, he held fast to a chair.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "held fast" to convey a sense of unwavering commitment, physical resilience, or adherence to principles. It's particularly effective in describing situations where something or someone withstands significant pressure or change.

Common error

Avoid mixing tenses when using "held fast". Ensure that the surrounding sentences maintain a consistent past tense to avoid grammatical inconsistencies and maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "held fast" is as a verb phrase, typically acting as the main verb in a clause to describe an action or state of remaining secure or committed. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Huffington Post

11%

Vice

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "held fast" is a versatile and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe unwavering commitment, resilience, or adherence to a position. According to Ludwig, it is considered correct and usable in written English. It appears frequently in news, encyclopedias, and scientific texts, indicating its wide applicability across various contexts. When seeking alternatives, consider phrases like "remained firm" or "stood firm" to convey similar meanings. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, writers can effectively use "held fast" to add depth and precision to their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remained firm

Emphasizes the continuation of a stable condition or stance.

stood firm

Highlights resilience and resistance against pressure.

maintained position

Focuses on preserving a specific location or status.

kept its grip

Implies maintaining a physical hold or control.

stayed put

Indicates remaining in the same place without moving.

clung tightly

Suggests a desperate or tenacious hold.

preserved stance

Highlights the preservation of a particular viewpoint.

endured steadfastly

Conveys enduring through challenges with unwavering resolve.

resisted change

Emphasizes opposition to alteration or modification.

defended strongly

Implies protecting something against attack or opposition.

FAQs

How can I use "held fast" in a sentence?

You can use "held fast" to describe something that remained secure or unchanged despite external forces. For example, "The old bridge "held fast" against the floodwaters".

What are some alternatives to "held fast"?

Alternatives to "held fast" include "remained firm", "stood firm", or "maintained position". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is "held fast" formal or informal?

"Held fast" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's more commonly found in writing and formal speech. Its versatility makes it a useful phrase in various settings.

What's the difference between "held fast" and "held tightly"?

"Held fast" implies resilience and resistance to change, whereas "held tightly" suggests a firm physical grip. For example, a ship "held fast" in the harbor, while a child "held tightly" to their parent's hand.