it still held

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it still held" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something continues to be true or valid despite changes or the passage of time. Example: "Despite the challenges we faced, the theory still held true in our experiments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

In 1967 the restaurant received its final star, which it still held more than 40 years later.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Whereas, when the animal stopped using the instrument, though it still held it in its hand, the receptive fields returned to their usual range.

City, Territory and Architecture

However, it still held a vast though largely undeveloped territory and had unlimited manpower reserves.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Someone had left a cooler on the beach, and it still held a bag of apples, a half-eaten sandwich, two Cokes.

The New Yorker

The Department of Health said it still held just over 20 million doses of swine flu vaccine for England, with shelf lives that run out by October 2011.

Independent

The river began to creep lower, but, a week after the West Quincy break, it still held at something over thirty feet.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Yet it still holds its romance.

The Guardian

And 20 years after its 1994 debut, it still holds up.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It still holds its shape perfectly.

Huffington Post

It still holds a considerable 58 copies in its linear growth phase.

Genome Biology and Evolution

The British Treasury is currently mulling its options about how to dispose of the stake it still holds in RBS.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it still held" to clearly indicate that a previous condition, belief, or possession persisted despite intervening circumstances or time.

Common error

Avoid using "it still held" when referring to something that has definitively ceased. Ensure the subject genuinely retained something up to a certain point in time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it still held" functions as a declarative statement, indicating the continuation of a previous state or condition in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It serves to convey that something previously possessed or maintained remained so at a specific point in the past.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

26%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it still held" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that something continued to possess or maintain something up to a certain point in the past. Ludwig AI confirms that. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, its neutral register makes it suitable for various forms of writing. To ensure its correct application, avoid using it when referring to something that has definitively ceased and be mindful of the temporal aspect. Consider alternatives like "it continued to possess" or "it retained possession of" for nuanced meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it continued to possess

Replaces 'held' with 'possess', emphasizing ownership or control.

it maintained its grip

Focuses on the idea of retaining control or influence.

it retained possession of

A more formal way of saying 'it kept'.

it preserved its status

Emphasizes the continuation of a particular state or condition.

it remained in control of

Highlights the aspect of control being maintained.

it continued to have

A simpler, more direct alternative, focusing on continued ownership.

it kept its authority

Focuses on maintaining power or influence.

it sustained its position

Emphasizes the endurance of a specific rank or placement.

it carried on holding

Adds emphasis to the act of holding over time.

it experienced no loss of

Highlights the absence of a decrease or relinquishment.

FAQs

How can I use "it still held" in a sentence?

Use "it still held" to express that something continued to possess or maintain something up to a certain point. For instance, "Even after the storm, it still held its shape."

What are some alternatives to "it still held"?

You can use alternatives like "it continued to possess", "it maintained its grip", or "it retained possession of" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it still held" or "it still holds"?

"It still held" indicates a past situation where something was retained, while "it still holds" indicates a present situation. Choose the tense that accurately reflects the time frame.

What's the difference between "it still held" and "it continued to hold"?

"It still held" implies that the holding action was already in place. "It continued to hold" emphasizes the ongoing nature of the holding, suggesting a more active or prolonged effort. Consider using "it carried on holding" for additional emphasis.