hold steadfast

USAGE SUMMARY

"hold steadfast" is an appropriate phrase to use in written English.
You can use it in formal writing to refer to an idea or cause that someone has remained loyal to, even when facing difficulty or opposition. For example, "The country's leaders have held steadfast throughout the tumultuous political climate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Every Muslim must hold steadfast in Islam and courage.

The New York Times

He wondered if Kerry could hold steadfast in Iraq under pressure from the Party's dissenting base.

The New Yorker

The easiest reply is to hold steadfast, and do not bow to the pressure.

The New York Times

Such a leaderless world requires us to abandon any sense of superiority but hold steadfast in upholding our rational values.Chris Birchenhall Manchester  SIR – You say that Syria is not Iraq, because the injustices of the Assad regime are clearer and the engagement is limited.

The Economist

I hold steadfast to my belief — based on my experience in building two great technology companies and in mentoring around 200 entrepreneurs over some years and on what I've learned from my academic research into the background and motivations of entrepreneurs — that entrepreneurs can be made.

TechCrunch

We have more members in Congress that hold steadfast to principles, which has contributed to an increasingly ineffectual institution.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"The faithful ones remain steadfast".

The New Yorker

Currently, the sliding 76ers are holding steadfast at eight.

The New York Times

Opportunities that come to us because we held steadfast in our belief in democracy.

The New York Times

To begin with, Microsoft is holding steadfast in its desire to remain a single company.

The New York Times

Agree with them or not and Hitchens enjoyed making it hard to agree they held steadfast to their opinions.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hold steadfast", ensure it aligns with a commitment to principles, beliefs, or long-term goals rather than fleeting preferences.

Common error

Avoid using "hold steadfast" for trivial matters or short-term decisions. The phrase is best reserved for significant, enduring commitments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold steadfast" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating a commitment to maintaining a position, belief, or course of action despite opposition or difficulty. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness in formal writing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hold steadfast" is a verb phrase used to describe maintaining a firm commitment to a belief, principle, or course of action, even when facing adversity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in formal writing. While not exceedingly common, it's found across various reputable sources. When incorporating "hold steadfast" into your writing, ensure it aligns with significant, enduring commitments rather than trivial matters. Consider alternatives like ""remain resolute"" or ""stand firm"" to add variety to your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain resolute

Emphasizes unwavering determination and a firm stance, often in the face of adversity.

stand firm

Highlights the act of maintaining a stable and unwavering position, both literally and figuratively.

stay the course

Implies continuing along a chosen path despite challenges, focusing on long-term goals.

persevere

Focuses on continuing despite difficulty, indicating effort and endurance.

maintain resolve

Stresses the act of upholding a firm decision or intention, even when tempted to waver.

keep faith

Emphasizes loyalty to a belief or principle, suggesting trust and devotion.

stick to your guns

An idiomatic expression suggesting adherence to one's beliefs, even when facing opposition.

stand your ground

Implies defending one's position or beliefs against attack or challenge.

be unyielding

Highlights inflexibility and resistance to change or persuasion.

keep the faith

Implies maintaining one's belief or principle despite difficulties or discouragements.

FAQs

How to use "hold steadfast" in a sentence?

You can use "hold steadfast" to describe someone who remains loyal and committed to a belief, principle, or cause despite challenges. For example: "Despite the criticism, she continued to "hold steadfast" to her convictions."

What can I say instead of "hold steadfast"?

You can use alternatives like "remain resolute", "stand firm", or "stay the course" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Which is correct, "hold steadfast" or "held steadfast"?

"Hold steadfast" is used in the present tense or as an infinitive, while "held steadfast" is the past tense form. The choice depends on the tense required by the sentence.

What's the difference between "hold steadfast" and "stand firm"?

While both phrases suggest resilience, ""hold steadfast"" often implies loyalty to an abstract principle or belief, while ""stand firm"" can refer to a more concrete position or decision.