hold firmly

USAGE SUMMARY

"hold firmly" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to express the need for extra care and security. For example, "Be sure to hold firmly when carrying the heavy box."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Ms. Gannon said she planned to hold firmly against the tax cut.

The New York Times

Subsequent cases hold firmly to the principle that Congress can override States' immunity under § 5. See, e.g., Dellmuth v. Muth, 491 U.S. 223, 109 S.Ct.

Cornell University

Christians are consequently exhorted to remain steadfast in their faith and to hold firmly to the hope that God will ultimately be victorious over his (and their) enemies.

Britannica

Almost eight decades later, most people in this Sequatchie River valley hold firmly to those beliefs under the watchful eyes of their church leaders.

The Washington Post

And just as the Virgin's image changes little from picture to picture so did Christianity hold firmly to all this music.

The New York Times - Arts

While "Third Watch" (named for the 4 p.m. to midnight shift) has done passably in the ratings, it has yet to take hold firmly.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Hold the grip firmly but loosely in your hand.

WikiHow

I am held firmly by him.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Initially, McGovern held firmly to his choice.

The Guardian

Cover stems with dry hay, bracken or straw held firmly at several points".

The New York Times - Books

Umm Sayyaf was with them too, held firmly by another soldier.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In metaphorical contexts, use the phrase to emphasize a character's or organization's unwavering commitment to a specific ideology or belief.

Common error

Avoid using "hold firmly" when you actually mean "stuck" or "glued". While "hold firmly" describes the action of the subject (the person holding), it does not always describe the state of the objects being held. If two things are attached and won't move, consider using "securely fastened" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold firmly" functions primarily as a verb modified by an adverb of manner. According to Ludwig AI, it is a standard and correct construction. In its imperative form, it serves as a command, while in declarative sentences, it describes the steady state of an action. The adverb "firmly" specifies the quality of the "hold", distinguishing it from a loose or tentative grasp.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki & Instructional

38%

News & Media

35%

Science & Technical

15%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "hold firmly" is a versatile and correct English phrase that performs equally well in literal and metaphorical scenarios. Ludwig AI confirms its status as a reliable choice for writers. Whether you are instructing someone on how to use a medical device or describing a politician's refusal to compromise on a tax cut, the phrase effectively communicates a sense of unshakeable stability. Its high prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and Science journals underscores its cross-disciplinary acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hold fast

Use an idiomatic expression often associated with maintaining a position or belief despite pressure.

clutch tightly

Imply a more urgent or anxious physical grip.

grip strongly

Emphasize physical hand strength and manual security.

adhere strictly

Shift toward a metaphorical sense of following rules or principles without deviation.

cling steadfastly

Suggest a sense of loyalty or emotional attachment to a concept or hope.

secure firmly

Commonly used in technical or DIY contexts to describe fastening objects together.

maintain a solid grasp

A more formal way to describe both physical holding and intellectual understanding.

keep a tight grip

A more common, everyday phrasing for maintaining control.

stand firm

Focus purely on the metaphorical aspect of not changing one's opinion.

retain firmly

Suggest keeping possession or holding something in a specific position.

FAQs

How to use "hold firmly" in a sentence?

You can use it literally, as in "Hold firmly to the handrail while the train is moving", or metaphorically, like "The organization continues to "hold firmly to its values"".

What is the difference between "hold firmly" and "hold tightly"?

While similar, "hold tightly" often implies a higher degree of physical pressure or emotional desperation, whereas "hold firmly" suggests a steady, controlled, and secure grip.

Can I use "grip firmly" as an alternative?

Yes, "grip firmly" is a perfect alternative when the context is strictly physical and involves the hands.

Is "hold firmly" formal enough for academic writing?

Yes, it is used frequently in academic and philosophical texts to describe maintaining a specific intellectual position or adhering to a principle.