it holds steady

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it holds steady" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that remains stable or consistent over time, often in contexts related to performance, measurements, or conditions. Example: "Despite the fluctuations in the market, the company's stock price holds steady."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Various polls have shown anywhere from 15percentto18percentcent of blacks supporting Bush – a proportion that could doom MacKay if it holds steady.

The Washington Post

The official rate for children goes up over the recession, from 18 percent to 22 percent, but once you include the full force of safety-net (and Recovery Act) measures that kicked in, it holds steady at about 15 percent.

The New York Times

Raise the metal arm up and away from the windshield, until it holds steady in a position perpendicular to the windshield glass.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Milk, previously one of the commercial underperformers from the awards race, enjoyed one of its better results at the weekend: it held steady, perhaps buoyed by cinemagoers checking it out in advance of Sunday's Academy Awards ceremony.

The Guardian - Film

It held steady at $37.88, roughly half its 52-week high.

The New York Times

It held steady this year mainly because Northwest Airlines saw its score rebound after it had been hampered by a blizzard last year and a strike in 1998.

The New York Times - Travel

It held steady at 81.2 for February.

The Guardian - Business

It held steady for the rest of the week.

The New Yorker

The family share of it held steady, at $96,700.

The New Yorker

It held steady against most world currencies and remained slightly below $1.41 against the euro.

The New York Times

It held steady at six points, however, in the Gallup national tracking poll.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it holds steady" to describe trends, measurements, or conditions that remain stable over a period of time, emphasizing consistency despite potential influencing factors.

Common error

Avoid using "it holds steady" when you want to describe progress or growth. It indicates stability, not advancement. Instead, focus on alternatives that describe gradual or continuous improvement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it holds steady" primarily functions as a descriptive statement. It indicates that a particular subject maintains a consistent level or state, resisting fluctuations or changes. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it holds steady" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that conveys a sense of stability or consistency over time. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and use across various sources. While not exceedingly common, it effectively communicates a lack of significant change, making it suitable for contexts where maintaining a constant state is noteworthy. Remember, if you're looking for a more formal phrase, alternatives like "it remains constant" or "it maintains its level" may be preferable. Avoid using it when progressive action is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it remains constant

This alternative emphasizes the unchanging nature of something, suggesting a lack of variation.

it stays consistent

This option focuses on the uniformity and predictability of something over time.

it maintains its level

Highlights that there is no decrease or increase, only a constant maintenance.

it doesn't fluctuate

This emphasizes the absence of variation or change, stressing a stable state.

it stabilizes

Implies that a previously unstable thing gains a stable condition.

it plateaus

Describes a situation where growth or progress has stopped, resulting in a level state.

it evens out

Indicates the elimination of fluctuations, with a final result of equilibrium.

it settles down

Suggests a transition from a turbulent state to a state of calm and steadiness.

it stands firm

Emphasizes resistance to change and maintaining a fixed position or condition.

it is in equilibrium

Highlights a balance between different forces where neither is winning.

FAQs

What does "it holds steady" mean?

The phrase "it holds steady" means that something remains at a consistent level or state without significant change, despite external factors that might cause it to vary.

What can I say instead of "it holds steady"?

You can use alternatives like "it remains constant", "it stays consistent", or "it maintains its level" depending on the specific context.

Is "it holds steady" formal or informal?

The phrase "it holds steady" is suitable for neutral contexts, fitting for news and media, yet can also be adapted in professional settings. Alternatives like "it remains constant" might be more suited for formal scenarios.

How to use "it holds steady" in a sentence?

To use "it holds steady" in a sentence, identify a subject that maintains a stable condition. For instance: "Despite market volatility, the company's stock price "it holds steady"".