hold strong

USAGE SUMMARY

"hold strong" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to express encouragement to someone, especially when they are facing difficulty or adversity. For example: "I know it may seem like things won't get better, but remember to hold strong."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Our bonds hold strong.

The New York Times

"The partnership will link arms and hold strong".

The New York Times

(He is also known to hold strong views on dumplings).

The New Yorker

"Hold strong in that first alignment," he said.

The Guardian

They are proud people who hold strong and diverse opinions.

The New York Times

You cannot coherently hold strong views without understanding the main criticisms against them.

The New York Times

Francis is not the first pope to hold strong emotional ties to soccer.

The New York Times - Sports

She was educated in Philadelphia and grew up to hold strong antislavery views.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Piano hinges, which line cabinets and doors from top to bottom, still hold strong.

The New York Times

Many participants in policy debates hold strong convictions, independent or even opposed to their self-interest.

The New York Times

"Many of us at the Biennale hold strong views on the refugee issue," they argue.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hold strong" when you want to encourage someone to persevere through a challenging situation, emphasizing resilience and determination.

Common error

While "hold strong" is versatile, avoid overusing it in overly casual or informal contexts where simpler expressions like "hang in there" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold strong" primarily functions as an idiomatic expression used for encouragement and to convey the importance of maintaining resilience during challenging times. As Ludwig AI confirms, it expresses encouragement, particularly when facing adversity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hold strong" is a versatile and common phrase used to encourage resilience and perseverance in the face of challenges. As Ludwig AI states, it serves to offer encouragement, especially in difficult situations. It is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While it is generally appropriate for many situations, being mindful of overly formal settings can ensure effective communication. Alternatives include "stay strong", "stand firm", and "persevere", each offering slightly different nuances. The phrase is a useful tool for motivating and supporting others, reflecting the importance of steadfastness in overcoming adversity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stay strong

Focuses more on emotional resilience during difficult times, similar to "hold strong" but with a slightly different nuance.

remain steadfast

Emphasizes unwavering commitment and determination, highlighting a resolute stance similar to "hold strong".

stand firm

Conveys a sense of resisting pressure or opposition, akin to "hold strong" but more focused on resisting external forces.

keep going

Offers encouragement to continue despite challenges, similar to "hold strong" in its motivational aspect.

persevere

Highlights the act of continuing despite difficulties, relating to "hold strong" by emphasizing persistence.

endure

Stresses the ability to withstand hardship, sharing the theme of resilience with "hold strong".

maintain resilience

Directly refers to the ability to recover quickly from difficulties, echoing the underlying concept of "hold strong".

keep up the fight

Implies active resistance and determination to overcome obstacles, similar to "hold strong" in a combative context.

don't give up

A common phrase of encouragement, similar to "hold strong" in urging persistence.

weather the storm

Suggests enduring a difficult period until it passes, relating to "hold strong" through the theme of withstanding adversity.

FAQs

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

You can use "hold strong" to encourage someone facing difficulties, as in "I know things are tough, but "hold strong", and things will eventually get better."

What are some alternatives to "hold strong"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "stay strong", "stand firm", or "persevere" as alternatives to "hold strong".

Is "hold strong" appropriate for formal writing?

While versatile, "hold strong" might be more suitable for general or encouraging contexts. In highly formal writing, consider alternatives like "remain steadfast" or "maintain resilience".

What does it mean to "hold strong"?

To "hold strong" means to maintain one's position, resolve, or emotional stability in the face of adversity or challenges. It is an expression of encouragement and resilience.