holds true

USAGE SUMMARY

"holds true" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is an established fact or is accepted to be true. For example: "The maxim that 'honesty is the best policy' holds true."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And that holds true.

The Guardian

The opposite holds true.

The Guardian - Sport

That probably holds true.

The Guardian - Film

The reverse holds true, too.

The New York Times

Neither remotely holds true now.

The Economist

That observation, alas, holds true.

The New York Times

That probably still holds true.

The Economist

The same holds true today.

The Economist

That no longer holds true.

The New York Times - Arts

So which framing holds true?

The Guardian

This holds true for this election.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "holds true" to emphasize the continuing relevance or validity of a statement, principle, or observation over time or across different situations.

Common error

While "holds true" is acceptable, consider stronger or more precise verbs (e.g., "remains", "endures", "persists") in formal or academic contexts to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "holds true" functions as a verb phrase indicating that a statement, principle, or condition remains valid, accurate, or applicable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound and frequently used expression across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "holds true" is a grammatically correct and very common verb phrase used to assert the continued validity or applicability of a statement or principle. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It finds frequent use in contexts such as news and media, science, and encyclopedias. While suitable for various registers, it's essential to consider stronger alternatives in highly formal or academic writing. When using "holds true", ensure it accurately reflects the enduring nature of the statement you're making.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remains valid

Focuses on the continued validity of something over time.

remains the case

Highlights that a particular situation or fact continues to be accurate.

is still accurate

Emphasizes the ongoing accuracy of information or a statement.

is still the situation

Underscores the continuation of a specific set of circumstances.

is applicable

Indicates that something is relevant and can be applied to a particular situation.

is correct

A general affirmation of truth or accuracy.

is factual

Highlights that something is based on facts and evidence.

proves valid

Suggests that something has been tested and found to be true.

stands up

Implies that something can withstand scrutiny or challenges.

is confirmed

Indicates that something has been verified or corroborated.

FAQs

How can I use "holds true" in a sentence?

You can use "holds true" to indicate that something remains valid or applicable. For example, "The principle of supply and demand still holds true in today's economy".

What are some alternatives to "holds true"?

You can use alternatives such as "remains valid", "is still accurate", or "remains the case" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "held true"?

Yes, "held true" is the past tense form of "holds true" and is grammatically correct. You would use it to refer to something that was true in the past. For example: "The theory held true for many years, but was eventually disproven".

What's the difference between "holds true" and "applies"?

"Holds true" suggests a more fundamental or enduring validity, while "applies" indicates relevance to a specific situation. You could say that a principle "holds true" generally, but only "applies" in certain cases.