held his position

USAGE SUMMARY

"held his position" is correct and usable in written English.
The phrase usually implies that someone has stood steadfastly in a particular place or situation, despite difficulty or opposition. For example, "The soldier held his position against the enemy, even in the face of overwhelming odds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

"He held his position".

The New York Times - Sports

But Selig held his position.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Lang, 57, has held his position in New Zealand since 2006.

The New York Times - Arts

Valenti had by then held his position for nearly twenty years.

The New Yorker

J. Watt fought off a block from right guard Mike McGlynn, held his position and locked his eyes on Dalton.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Ballou, who has held his position for a year, focuses on a "restorative justice" approach to rehabilitation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

He certainly did his fair share of tracking back and also held his positioning well which contributed to the team's solid defensive shape.

The Guardian - Sport

He's still holding his position: Mr. Gingrich.

The New York Times

All he had to do was hold his position.

The New York Times - Sports

It's unclear whether Cain can hold his position.

The Guardian

"He's trying to hold his position, I'm trying to get mine," Baffert said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "held his position", ensure that the context clearly indicates what position is being maintained, whether it's a physical location, a job, or a viewpoint. Use specific details to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "held his position" when a more precise term exists. For example, use "retained his post" if referring to a job or "maintained his stance" when discussing an opinion. Using a more specific phrase improves clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "held his position" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of maintaining or preserving a particular place, job, or viewpoint. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and commonly used in English. Examples show it used to describe someone keeping a job, maintaining a spot in a race, or defending a belief.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Wiki

12%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "held his position" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the act of maintaining a place, role, or belief, even under pressure. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. Its meaning is readily understood, making it suitable for various contexts. When writing, ensure you provide enough context to clarify exactly what "position" is being maintained. While generally neutral in tone, it can be adapted for both professional and informal writing. Remember that alternatives like "maintained his stance", "stood his ground", and "retained his post" can provide more specific nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintained his stance

Focuses on the consistency of opinion or belief rather than physical location.

stood firm

Emphasizes the unwavering nature of one's resolve or decision.

stood his ground

Emphasizes resistance and unwillingness to yield, often in a confrontational situation.

remained steadfast

Highlights the consistency and reliability of one's character or commitment.

retained his post

Specifically refers to keeping a job or official role.

preserved his lead

Highlights the act of maintaining an advantage in a competition or race.

upheld his viewpoint

Indicates a defense of one's personal perspective or opinion.

kept his station

Refers to holding a specific rank or assignment, especially in a military or hierarchical context.

stayed in contention

Implies remaining competitive or in the running for a prize or achievement.

defended his territory

Suggests a protective action over a particular space or area.

FAQs

How can I use "held his position" in a sentence?

The phrase "held his position" is used to describe someone maintaining a specific location, job, or belief. For example, "Despite the pressure, he "held his position" as CEO".

What are some alternatives to "held his position"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "maintained his stance", "stood his ground", or "retained his post".

Is it correct to say "hold his position" instead of "held his position"?

No, "hold his position" is the infinitive form. "Held" is the past tense. Use "held his position" when referring to a past action or state.

What's the difference between "held his position" and "held his ground"?

"Held his position" generally refers to maintaining a specific role, location, or viewpoint. "Held his ground" implies resisting opposition or refusing to yield in a conflict or debate.