hold good

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hold good" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to remain valid or applicable, often in a specific situation or context. Here is an example: "Although the regulations were implemented years ago, they still hold good today and must be followed by all employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You can't hold good information down.

MIT Technology Review

And it appears to hold good news for job seekers.

The New York Times

The rule seems to hold good even now.

The Guardian

The angst has taken hold good and proper now.

The Guardian - Film

But certain values hold good no matter your upbringing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Onsager's reciprocity relations have been found to hold good for all the mixtures.

Electrochimica Acta

Although total wheat stocks are the lowest for 20 years, exporters hold good supplies.

The Economist

Today more than any other day, that maxim of human life should hold good.

The Economist

The same considerations, adds the semi-official agency, hold good for the officials under him.

Yale University

He finds that general principles of design hold good in all fields.

The New Yorker

There is a possibility that the conclusions may not hold good for other kinds of fog.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hold good", ensure the context clearly indicates what is remaining valid or applicable. This phrase is often used to describe principles, rules, or theories that continue to be relevant over time.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "hold good" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "still applies" or "remains true" to maintain a natural tone in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold good" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating that something remains valid, applicable, or effective over time. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hold good" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that means to remain valid, applicable, or effective. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English. It's often found in more formal contexts, such as scientific and academic writing, as well as in news and media. While perfectly acceptable, simpler alternatives may be preferred in informal settings. When writing, be sure to clarify what exactly is maintaining its validity when using this phrase. Key authoritative sources using "hold good" include The Guardian, The New York Times, and Forbes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Hold true

Similar to "hold good", but slightly more common and versatile.

Remain valid

Focuses specifically on the state of being currently valid.

Still apply

Emphasizes the continued relevance of a rule, law, or principle.

Retain its validity

Emphasizes the preservation of something's valid status.

Continue to be effective

Highlights the ongoing effectiveness or impact.

Remain in effect

Indicates that something is still operational or legally binding.

Be applicable

Highlights the relevance of something in a specific situation.

Continue to hold

Suggests an ongoing state of being valid or applicable.

Stand the test of time

Implies that something has proven its value over a long period.

Prove true

Focuses on the verification of something's accuracy or validity.

FAQs

What does "hold good" mean?

The phrase "hold good" means to remain valid, applicable, or true in a particular context or over a period of time. It suggests that a principle, rule, or agreement continues to be in effect.

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

You can use "hold good" to indicate that something remains valid. For example, "The principles of this theory still "hold true" today" or "The original agreement will "remain valid" as long as these conditions are met".

What are some alternatives to "hold good"?

Some alternatives to "hold good" include "remain valid", "still apply", "hold true", "continue to be effective", and "remain in effect". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "hold good" formal or informal?

"Hold good" is generally considered more formal than some of its alternatives, such as "still applies" or "remains true". It's suitable for academic, scientific, or professional writing where a more precise and somewhat traditional tone is appropriate.