held strong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "held strong" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe someone's resolve or conviction about a certain belief or point of view. For example, you could say: "Even in the face of adversity, he held strong to his convictions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(His restraint has held strong.

The New Yorker

The PSUV held strong in rural areas, however.

The Economist

The fans were beside themselves, and his smile held strong.

The New Yorker

He was gentle, caring, yet held strong convictions.

University of California, Berkeley

She held strong opinions and she let you know it.

The New York Times

Yet we held strong in our love for each other.

The Washington Post

She had a sharp academic and legal mind, was a wonderful conversationalist, and held strong opinions.

The New York Times

Yet even in the face of digital competition, terrestrial radio has held strong.

The New York Times

Aranda held strong regalist views, but his authoritarian character caused him difficulty.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He held strong views about the nature of Justice and the practice of law.

Harvard University

He held strong opinions on continental drift, and later, plate tectonics.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "held strong" to describe situations where something or someone maintained its position, beliefs, or performance despite facing challenges or pressure. For example, "The team's defense held strong despite the opposing team's relentless attacks."

Common error

Avoid using "held strong" in passive constructions where the subject is acted upon, as it dilutes the active sense of resistance and resilience. Instead of saying, "The belief was held strong by the community", opt for "The community held strong to their belief."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "held strong" primarily functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of the predicate in a sentence. It indicates the action of maintaining a firm position, belief, or state, often in the face of opposition or difficulty. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its application in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

22%

Science

18%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "held strong" is a versatile verb phrase that signifies resilience and the maintenance of a position or belief despite challenges. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts. Its prevalence in news, academic, and scientific sources indicates its suitability for formal and neutral registers. To enhance your writing, use "held strong" to convey stability and resistance, and be mindful of avoiding passive constructions. Alternatives such as "remained firm" or "stood firm" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remained firm

Focuses on maintaining a position or decision without wavering.

stood firm

Emphasizes resilience and resistance against pressure or opposition.

stayed resolute

Highlights unwavering determination and purpose.

persevered

Stresses continued effort despite challenges or obstacles.

maintained resolve

Focuses on upholding a firm decision or intention.

kept up resistance

Highlights the act of continuously opposing something.

withstood pressure

Emphasizes the ability to endure external forces or demands.

endured

Stresses the capacity to suffer hardship patiently.

held its ground

Focuses on defending a position or territory against attack.

stood its ground

Similar to "held its ground" but emphasizes the act of standing up to a challenge.

FAQs

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

You can use "held strong" to indicate that something or someone maintained their position or conviction despite challenges. For example, "The company's stock price "held strong" despite market volatility."

What are some alternatives to saying "held strong"?

Alternatives include "remained firm", "stood firm", or "stayed resolute" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "holded strong" instead of "held strong"?

No, "holded" is not a correct past tense form of "hold". The correct form is "held", so "held strong" is the correct usage.

What is the difference between "held strong" and "remained resilient"?

"Held strong" emphasizes maintaining a position or state, while "remained resilient" focuses on the ability to recover quickly from difficulties. They are similar, but "remained resilient" highlights adaptability in the face of adversity.