hold firm

USAGE SUMMARY

"hold firm" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to mean staying strong and not giving in or wavering in a belief or decision. It can also refer to maintaining a steady grip or position. Example: Despite facing backlash and criticism, the company held firm in their decision to implement stricter safety measures for their employees. Example: The athlete's determination and focus helped her hold firm during the intense competition, leading her to victory.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Will Mr. Zuma hold firm?

The New York Times

They should hold firm.

The Washington Post

I believe we must hold firm.

The Guardian

But we can still hold firm against the calendars.

Independent

He didn't trust Humphrey to hold firm on the war.

The New York Times

Moore is convinced the Wallabies' scrum will hold firm.

The Guardian - Sport

The government should hold firm and keep those areas closed.

The New York Times

Then again, she could hold firm to her current stance.

The New York Times

"Yes, we are going to hold firm," she told me.

The New York Times

But these facts hold firm against a more artistic dissolution.

The New York Times - Arts

Whisk the egg whites until they hold firm peaks.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hold firm" when you want to emphasize maintaining a position, belief, or course of action despite opposition or challenges. It conveys a sense of strength and determination.

Common error

Avoid using "hold firm" when referring to trivial or temporary situations. This phrase implies resilience and a sustained effort against resistance, so it's best reserved for scenarios where genuine perseverance is required.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "hold firm" is as an intransitive phrasal verb. It functions to express the act of maintaining a position, belief, or course of action despite opposition or difficulty, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "hold firm" is a versatile expression used to convey the idea of maintaining a strong, unwavering stance. According to Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, and it enjoys very common usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. The phrase is best used when you want to highlight resilience and determination against opposition, and remember to avoid using it in trivial situations. Alternative phrases like "stand strong" and "remain steadfast" can be used to achieve a similar effect. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, writers can effectively leverage "hold firm" to add depth and impact to their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stand strong

Emphasizes resilience and an unwavering stance against opposition.

remain steadfast

Highlights unwavering commitment and resistance to change.

stay resolute

Focuses on maintaining a firm decision or purpose despite challenges.

keep the line

Suggests maintaining a defensive position or boundary against intrusion.

maintain your ground

Implies defending a position or belief against opposition.

stand your ground

Similar to "maintain your ground", but with a more assertive tone.

not give way

Emphasizes resistance to pressure or force.

be unyielding

Highlights inflexibility and a strong refusal to compromise.

stay the course

Focuses on continuing a chosen path despite difficulties or temptations to deviate.

persevere

Emphasizes continued effort and determination in the face of adversity.

FAQs

How can I use "hold firm" in a sentence?

You can use "hold firm" to describe maintaining a stance or position despite opposition, like "The government needs to "hold firm" on its commitment to environmental protection."

What's a good alternative to "hold firm" in a formal context?

In a formal setting, consider using alternatives such as "remain steadfast", "stay resolute", or "maintain your ground" to convey a similar meaning with a more sophisticated tone.

Is "hold firm" the same as "stand your ground"?

While similar, "hold firm" generally emphasizes maintaining a position or belief, while "stand your ground" often implies defending oneself or one's rights in a confrontational situation.

When is it inappropriate to use "hold firm"?

It may be inappropriate to use "hold firm" in casual conversations or when discussing minor issues. It's best suited for situations where there is significant opposition or resistance, and maintaining a position requires strength and determination.