holding steady

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "holding steady" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that remains stable or unchanged over time. Example: "Despite the fluctuations in the market, our sales figures have been holding steady for the past few months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Yet miniature cigars are holding steady.

The Economist

This year, revenue is holding steady.

The New York Times

Manufacturing jobs are now holding steady.

The Economist

Odder still, Welsh is holding steady.

The Economist

"We have been holding steady," says Cave.

The Guardian

One video axiom is certainly holding steady.

The New York Times

: ) We're sandblasting them and they're holding steady," Adams tweeted.

The New Yorker

Demand for foreign-currency loans seems to be holding steady.

The New York Times

(The measure is holding steady for institutional investors).

The New York Times

Afghan optimists are holding steady; pessimists are on the rise.

The New York Times

"Our print volumes have been holding steady or growing some".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "remaining stable" or "staying constant" for variety and to avoid repetition in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "holding steady" when the situation is actually fluctuating or only temporarily stable. The phrase implies a sustained period without significant change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "holding steady" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used within a sentence to describe the state of a subject. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it signifies maintaining a consistent level or condition without significant change. It's typically part of a larger clause indicating the context of this stability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "holding steady" is a verb phrase that describes a situation or condition that remains stable or unchanged over time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, primarily in news and media, business, and scientific domains. While alternatives like "remaining stable" or "staying constant" exist, "holding steady" effectively conveys a sense of consistency and lack of fluctuation. When writing, ensure the context is clear and the term accurately reflects a sustained period of stability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remaining stable

Indicates a state of equilibrium or lack of fluctuation; emphasizes the continuation of a stable state.

staying constant

Highlights the unchanging nature of a situation or measurement; focuses on the absence of variation.

remaining unchanged

Directly states the lack of alteration or modification; focuses on the absence of change.

maintaining equilibrium

Implies a balanced state is being preserved, often in dynamic or potentially unstable conditions.

keeping level

Suggests an effort to prevent something from increasing or decreasing; emphasizes active maintenance.

leveling off

Indicates a cessation of increase or decrease, suggesting a transition to a stable state.

stabilizing

Describes the process of becoming stable, implying a transition from instability.

staying put

Informal alternative, indicating no movement or alteration in position or status.

holding firm

Suggests resistance to change or pressure, emphasizing strength and resilience.

standing still

Conveys a sense of inaction or lack of progress, often in a figurative sense.

FAQs

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

"Holding steady" is used to describe something that remains at a consistent level or state. For example, "Despite the economic downturn, our profits are "holding steady"".

What are some alternatives to "holding steady"?

Alternatives include "remaining stable", "staying constant", or "maintaining equilibrium", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "hold steady" instead of "holding steady"?

While "hold steady" can be used as an imperative (e.g., "Hold steady!"), "holding steady" is used to describe a continuous state. The correct choice depends on the intended meaning and grammatical structure.

What's the difference between "holding steady" and "improving"?

"Holding steady" implies no significant change, while "improving" indicates positive progress. They are antonyms, representing opposite trends.