hold steady

USAGE SUMMARY

"hold steady" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to talk about remaining still or not changing in the face of difficulty or uncertainty. For example: "Even in the face of a challenging situation, try to stay calm and hold steady."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Hold Steady and Lucero, rock band.

The New York Times

And that's simply to hold steady.

The New York Times

At the sink, I hold steady.

The New York Times

The Hold Steady know the potential of myths too.

Independent

MONTCLAIR Wellmont Theater The Hold Steady and Lucero, rock bands.

The New York Times

In baseball, some statistical prototypes hold steady through the decades.

The New York Times - Sports

It's these characters that make The Hold Steady so appealing.

Independent

If prices hold steady or rise, consumer confidence could strengthen.

The New York Times

With the Hold Steady, there's the simple power of joy.

The Guardian - Music

"Illusions are a real bastard to hold steady," he said.

The Guardian - Books

That frontman is Craig Finn of the Hold Steady.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hold steady" to advise someone in a stressful situation, ensure your tone is reassuring and supportive. This helps convey stability rather than adding pressure.

Common error

Avoid using "hold steady" when the situation demands proactive measures. This phrase implies maintaining a current state, which may not be appropriate when improvement or change is necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold steady" primarily functions as a command or an exhortation, urging someone to maintain their current position, composure, or course of action, especially during challenging circumstances. Ludwig provides several examples of this usage, demonstrating its direct and actionable nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

22%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hold steady" is a versatile and frequently used expression that encourages stability and perseverance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples demonstrating its application across various contexts, from personal encouragement to financial advice. The phrase functions primarily as a command, urging the listener to maintain their current position or course of action, especially during challenging times. While the register is generally neutral, adapting to both formal and informal settings, it's crucial to avoid using "hold steady" when proactive measures are needed, as it implies maintaining the status quo rather than initiating change. The phrase is common in News & Media and Wiki content, reflecting its broad applicability and recognition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain constant

Focuses on the lack of change over time, emphasizing a static condition.

stay the course

Highlights continuing with a chosen plan despite difficulties.

keep firm

Emphasizes maintaining a solid stance or position.

stand firm

Implies resisting pressure or opposition to maintain a position.

keep constant

Similar to "remain constant" but can also imply intentional maintenance.

persevere

Focuses on continuing through difficulty with effort.

maintain stability

Explicitly refers to keeping something in a stable condition.

keep afloat

Implies maintaining a minimal level of success or survival.

stay put

Stresses remaining in a specific location or state.

not waver

Emphasizes avoiding hesitation or deviation from a chosen path.

FAQs

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

You can use "hold steady" to advise someone to remain calm and stable during a difficult situation. For example, "Hold steady in the storm, we'll get through this together."

What does "hold steady" mean in financial contexts?

In finance, "hold steady" usually indicates that prices or rates are expected to "remain constant", or at least not decrease. It suggests a period of stability in a fluctuating market.

Which is more appropriate, "hold steady" or "stay the course"?

"Hold steady" implies maintaining a current position or state, while "stay the course" suggests continuing with a chosen plan despite challenges. The best choice depends on whether the goal is to maintain stability or to persevere through difficulty.

Are there any situations where it's inappropriate to use "hold steady"?

Avoid using "hold steady" when the situation requires active intervention or change. The phrase implies maintaining a static state, which isn't suitable when improvement or progress is necessary. In such contexts, phrases like "take action" or "make progress" would be more appropriate.