hold it steady

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hold it steady" is correct and usable in written English.
You might use this phrase if you are giving instructions or advice to someone to keep something in position. For example: "When you're drilling the hole, make sure to hold it steady so that the drill doesn't slip."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

It wasn't spontaneous; two crew members crouched alongside to hold it steady.

The New York Times - Arts

Small hands should be able to grip the camera and hold it steady; it should not be too heavy.

The New York Times - Arts

The bartender would lift a 12-quart plastic tub, straining to hold it steady as the mud-colored liquid sloshed.

The New York Times - Food

By pushing down on a part of the heart to hold it steady, doctors can sometimes sew a blood vessel onto a heart that is still beating.

The New York Times - Science

The challenge is to make well-defended, case-by-case recommendations about where to cut spending, where to hold it steady, and even where to increase it.

Harvard Business Review

We would be able to hold it steady at the top, or zenith, of the arc and fly it under greater control along the arc's outer edges.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

There is a man on a ladder and another holding it steady at the base.

The New York Times - Magazine

It comes with a bracket you put on the floor, which holds it steady while you lounge on it.

The New York Times

When they hold the quill, "I am not writing it, I am only holding it steady," he added.

The New York Times

Under this theory, if governments or central banks increased money supply, inflation would rise; conversely, if they held it steady, inflation would fall.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The confidence is mixed with a need to block out distractions for the task of drawing an arrow back, and holding it steady before unleashing it.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions involving delicate tasks, use "hold it steady" to emphasize the importance of maintaining a stable position to avoid errors or accidents.

Common error

Ensure the context makes clear what "it" refers to when using "hold it steady". Otherwise, specify the object to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold it steady" primarily functions as an imperative, issuing a command or instruction to maintain something in a stable position. Ludwig confirms this usage across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

31%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hold it steady" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, as validated by Ludwig AI. It functions primarily as an imperative, instructing someone to maintain a stable position. While its register is generally neutral, it appears most commonly in news, media, and instructional contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the object being held steady is clear from the context. Alternatives include "keep it stable" or "secure it firmly". With its clear meaning and widespread usage, "hold it steady" remains a practical and effective phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep it stable

Focuses on maintaining a state of equilibrium rather than just physical steadiness.

stabilize it

Implies making something resistant to unwanted changes or movements.

maintain its position

Highlights keeping something in a specific location or arrangement.

secure it firmly

Emphasizes the act of fastening something in place to prevent movement.

fix it in place

Stresses the idea of preventing any movement by anchoring something.

support it continuously

Highlights ongoing assistance to prevent something from falling or wavering.

keep it motionless

Focuses on ensuring something does not move at all.

restrain its movement

Emphasizes limiting or controlling the movement of something.

balance it carefully

Highlights the need for precise equilibrium to prevent tipping or falling.

brace it securely

Indicates providing strong support to prevent collapse or movement.

FAQs

How can I use "hold it steady" in a sentence?

You can use "hold it steady" when instructing someone to maintain a stable position. For example: "Please "hold it steady" while I tighten the screw."

What are some alternatives to "hold it steady"?

Alternatives include "keep it stable", "maintain its position", or "secure it firmly" depending on the specific context.

Is "hold it steady" grammatically correct?

Yes, "hold it steady" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

What does it mean to "hold it steady"?

To "hold it steady" means to keep something in a stable and unwavering position, preventing it from moving or shaking.