hold fast to

USAGE SUMMARY

"hold fast to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to encourage someone to stay committed to something, or to express a desire that something stays in place. For example, "Hold fast to your dreams, and they will come true!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Let us hold fast to preserve it.

The New York Times

How much to hold fast to memory?

The New York Times

But other schools hold fast to their slow approach.

The New York Times

Mr. Duncan should hold fast to that plan.

The New York Times

These thoughts are often posted on her blog, Hold Fast to What Is Good.

Princeton University

There are many nuns who hold fast to the church out of genuine devotion.

The New York Times

The hostility of rival media enterprises made it hard to hold fast to the initial vision.

Independent

He vowed to fight poverty, improve the rule of law, and hold fast to history.

The New Yorker

That said, Berkshire will hold fast to what it believes are appropriate prices for its products.

The New York Times

Others hold fast to dreams of stardom, which seldom seem to come true.

The Guardian - Music

There is Langston Hughes (encouraging us to "hold fast to dreams").

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "hold fast to" with specific nouns to clarify what exactly should be maintained or preserved. For example, "hold fast to your values" or "hold fast to your dreams".

Common error

While "hold fast to" is suitable for many contexts, it can sound slightly archaic or overly formal in very casual settings. Consider using a more contemporary phrase like "stick with" or "stay committed to" in informal conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold fast to" functions as a verb phrase that typically introduces a concept that should be maintained or adhered to. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hold fast to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to emphasize commitment and perseverance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used correctly in a wide range of sources. While versatile, it leans towards a slightly formal register, making it suitable for professional and news contexts. To avoid overuse, consider synonyms like "cling to" or "adhere to", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember that the frequency of use is high, especially in "News & Media", "Academia" and "Formal & Business" contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stay true to

Emphasizes authenticity and integrity in maintaining values or beliefs.

remain committed to

Highlights a firm and unwavering dedication.

cling to

Focuses more on emotional attachment or desperation in maintaining something.

stick to

Implies a decision to continue with a plan or course of action.

adhere to

Emphasizes sticking to rules, principles, or agreements.

uphold

Suggests actively supporting and defending something, like a value or principle.

keep to

Suggests maintaining a commitment or promise.

maintain

Highlights the act of keeping something in its current state or condition.

preserve

Focuses on protecting something from harm or change.

stand by

Indicates loyalty and support during difficult times.

FAQs

How can I use "hold fast to" in a sentence?

You can use "hold fast to" to express the importance of maintaining a belief, principle, or commitment, such as "hold fast to your values" or "hold fast to your dreams".

What can I say instead of "hold fast to"?

Alternatives to "hold fast to" include "cling to", "adhere to", or "remain committed to", depending on the specific context.

Is "hold fast to" formal or informal?

"Hold fast to" is generally considered more formal. In informal contexts, you might prefer phrases like "stick to" or "stay with".

What does it mean to "hold fast to" something?

To "hold fast to" something means to maintain it firmly, stay committed to it, or not let it go, even when facing challenges or difficulties.