keep firm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep firm" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when advising someone to maintain their position, resolve, or commitment in a situation. Example: "In times of uncertainty, it's important to keep firm in your beliefs and values."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Isn't that cool?" However airborne and globalised his art, its creator likes to keep firm ground beneath his feet.

Independent

Under Ms. Quinn's bill, the city would still allow ICE into its jails and would keep firm hold on criminals who threatened public safety.

The New York Times

Posts tend to go beyond what's typical in journalism, with some featuring original statistical analysis, error bars on (some) graphs, and a desire to keep firm research at the core of even the lighter pieces.

The Guardian

They are an invitation to be safe, a murmured welcome into a charmed embrace that wards off all misfortune, an affectionate entreaty to keep firm hold of the woman who knows the way.

The Guardian - Books

Pompey at once turned firmly against Milo, who presented a political threat: if Milo could use the force that had killed Clodius to keep firm control of Rome, he an ambitious man of known conservative views might in due course offer an alternative and more trustworthy champion to the oligarchy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Perhaps because of liturgical inconvenience, it later became more common to keep firm the architectural divisions between the peripheral eastern chapels, as at Reims (rebuilt after a fire destroyed the original cathedral in 1210) and Amiens (begun 1220) cathedrals, for example.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

The restrictions, Republican commissioners warned, could keep firms from recruiting star employees.

The New York Times

It is important to get as many people seeking payouts as possible in order to keep firms honest.

The Economist

Bankers will keep the job of assessing credit, proffering to the government portfolios of qualifying loans (mainly short-term support for working capital to keep firms ticking over).

The Economist

But Sweden has long resisted this because some two-thirds of its listed companies have them and it helps keep firms under Swedish ownership in an open economy.

The Economist

One option is to have no fines at all for corporate wrongdoing, and to rely instead on market forces to impose the costs that keep firms in line.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep firm" to encourage someone to maintain their resolve or a stable condition in the face of challenges. It conveys a sense of strength and determination.

Common error

Avoid using "keep firm" in contexts where maintaining literal physical firmness is not the intended meaning. For example, don't use it when referring to a liquid or substance that needs to solidify; instead, focus on its figurative use related to resolve or stability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep firm" functions primarily as a directive or exhortation, advising or encouraging someone to maintain their resolve, stability, or position. As Ludwig suggests, it's usable in written English and implies maintaining a commitment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep firm" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that advises maintaining resolve or stability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for written English. It frequently appears in news and media, wiki articles, and encyclopedia entries. The phrase encourages persistence and conveys a sense of strength. When using "keep firm", ensure that the context involves maintaining a position, commitment, or state, rather than a physical attribute. The alternative phrases, such as ""stand firm"" or ""remain resolute"", can offer nuanced variations depending on the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain a firm stance

Emphasizes maintaining a position or belief.

hold steadfast

Highlights unwavering commitment.

stand firm

Focuses on resisting pressure or opposition.

remain resolute

Stresses unwavering determination.

stay strong

Suggests enduring through difficulty.

preserve firmness

Highlights preventing something from weakening or softening.

uphold resolution

Emphasizes honoring a commitment.

sustain stability

Focuses on maintaining a stable condition.

keep unyielding

Highlights the inflexible or uncompromising nature of something.

maintain stability

Focuses on maintaining stability in a specific situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep firm" to encourage someone to maintain their resolve or commitment, as in "It's crucial to keep firm in your convictions during times of adversity".

What are some alternatives to "keep firm"?

Some alternatives to "keep firm" include "stand firm", "remain resolute", or "hold steadfast". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "kept firm" instead of "keep firm"?

Yes, "kept firm" is the past tense form of "keep firm". For example, "The company kept firm on its decision despite public pressure".

What's the difference between "keep firm" and "maintain a firm stance"?

"Keep firm" is a more general encouragement to stay strong, while "maintain a firm stance" often implies a more deliberate and public declaration of one's position on an issue.