holding firm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "holding firm" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is steadfast, resolute, or not easily swayed in their position or beliefs. Example: "Despite the pressure from competitors, the company is holding firm on its pricing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

On the contrary, endowments are holding firm, or even adding to these holdings.

The New York Times

PEN is holding firm.

The Guardian - Books

The Ragusos are holding firm.

The New York Times

Iran are holding firm though.

The Guardian - Sport

But Fulham are holding firm.

The Guardian - Sport

While at Anfield Stoke are holding firm.

The Guardian - Sport

Iran and Saudi Arabia, like Russia, are holding firm.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Stanford's administration appears to be holding firm.

Forbes

Hart and colleagues found that physicians try to balance their own individual "best practice" with perceived patient satisfaction by using education, negotiation, holding-firm, or giving-in [ 20].

BMC Family Practice

With the Mayor holding firm, layoff notices were prepared.

The New York Times

The Aug. 2 debt ceiling deadline is holding firm.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "holding firm" to convey a sense of unwavering resolve or resilience in the face of challenges. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being held firm – a position, a belief, or a strategy.

Common error

Avoid using "holding firm" when a more flexible or adaptive approach is needed. Overusing the phrase can suggest inflexibility or stubbornness, even when adaptability would be more beneficial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "holding firm" functions as a verb phrase, often used as part of a predicate to describe the action of maintaining a position, belief, or strategy. As noted by Ludwig, it describes something or someone steadfast or resolute.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Formal & Business

19%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "holding firm" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the act of maintaining a position, belief, or strategy despite challenges. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. It is frequently found in news and media, formal business contexts, and scientific discourse, conveying resilience and determination. To enhance writing, use it when you want to communicate unwavering resolve, but avoid overusing it to prevent conveying inflexibility. Alternatives include "standing strong" and "remaining steadfast", depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

standing strong

Emphasizes resilience and the ability to withstand pressure or opposition.

remaining steadfast

Highlights unwavering commitment and consistency in maintaining a position.

staying resolute

Focuses on a firm decision and unwillingness to change one's mind.

standing one's ground

Implies defending a position against opposition or challenges.

keeping steady

Suggests maintaining stability and control in a situation.

maintaining position

Focuses on the act of keeping a specific rank or stance.

not yielding

Highlights a refusal to give in or compromise.

digging in

Suggests reinforcing a position and preparing for a prolonged defense.

sticking to one's guns

Implies unwavering adherence to one's beliefs or principles, even under pressure.

standing pat

Conveys contentment with the current situation and a reluctance to make changes.

FAQs

How can I use "holding firm" in a sentence?

You can use "holding firm" to describe someone or something that is steadfast, resolute, or not easily swayed in their position or beliefs. For example, "Despite the pressure from competitors, the company is holding firm on its pricing strategy."

What are some alternatives to "holding firm"?

Alternatives include "standing strong", "remaining steadfast", or "staying resolute", depending on the specific context.

Is "holding firm" formal or informal?

"Holding firm" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's more commonly found in news articles and business reports, leaning toward a neutral register.

What does it mean to say someone is "holding firm"?

To say someone is "holding firm" means they are maintaining their position, belief, or strategy despite facing opposition or challenges. It conveys a sense of determination and resilience.