more firmly

USAGE SUMMARY

"more firmly" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is an adverb that is used to emphasize the degree or intensity of an action. For example, "She held the gun more firmly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Others are more firmly opposed.

The New York Times

They punish failing leadership even more firmly.

The Guardian - Opinion

I'm afraid it's impossible, Mary asserted more firmly.

The New Yorker

After 532 Justinian ruled more firmly than ever before.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He placed himself more firmly in that discussion on Friday.

The New York Times

Why not choose less ambitious, more firmly established charges?

The New York Times

On Saturday he made his point more firmly.

Independent

If there are cracks, press the dough more firmly.

The Washington Post

Yet inheritance dictates destiny more firmly than ever.

The Guardian - Opinion

As a result, tribal ties now bind more firmly.

The New York Times

"No, how are you doing?" Yow said, more firmly.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "more firmly" to emphasize the increased strength, stability, or determination with which an action is performed or a belief is held. It's useful when comparing the degree of firmness across different situations.

Common error

Avoid using "more firmly" when the context already implies a strong action. For example, instead of saying "He gripped the object more firmly than tightly", simply say "He gripped the object more firmly" or "He gripped the object tightly" depending on the intended nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more firmly" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier, enhancing the degree to which an action is performed or a state is maintained. As Ludwig AI shows, this often involves reinforcing a grip, a belief, or an established position.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

19%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more firmly" is a versatile adverbial modifier used to emphasize a greater degree of stability, determination, or conviction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used across a wide array of contexts, including news, science, and general informative writing. While "more firmly" enjoys widespread use, the alternatives "more resolutely", "with greater conviction", and "more securely" offer similar meanings with subtly different nuances. When incorporating "more firmly" into your writing, ensure it enhances the intended meaning without creating redundancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more resolutely

Indicates a stronger sense of determination or resolve.

with greater conviction

Emphasizes the strength of belief or certainty behind a statement or action.

more securely

Focuses on the enhanced safety or stability of something.

more steadfastly

Implies unwavering loyalty or commitment.

more vigorously

Indicates an increase in energy or intensity.

with increased emphasis

Highlights that more attention or importance is being given.

more decisively

Suggests a clearer or more impactful decision-making process.

more rigidly

Implies a stricter or less flexible approach.

on a surer footing

Focuses on having a stronger foundation or basis.

with greater force

Highlights the increase of power or strength applied.

FAQs

How can I use "more firmly" in a sentence?

You can use "more firmly" to describe how something is held, believed, or established. For instance, "She held the rope "more firmly"" or "The evidence established his guilt "more firmly"".

What are some alternatives to "more firmly"?

Alternatives to "more firmly" include "more resolutely", "more securely", or "with greater conviction" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "more firm" instead of "more firmly"?

While "firm" can function as an adjective, "more firm" is less common and often sounds awkward compared to ""more firmly"", which is an adverb modifying a verb or adjective. "More firm" might be acceptable in specific adjectival contexts but generally stick to the adverbial form for clarity.

What's the difference between "more firmly" and "more strongly"?

"More firmly" suggests stability, security, or resolution, while "more strongly" implies greater power or intensity. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the steadfastness or the force of the action or belief.