really held

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "really held" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the strength or intensity of a feeling, belief, or situation that has been maintained or sustained over time. Example: "Despite the challenges, her conviction in the project was really held throughout the entire process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That has really held us back.

The Guardian

That's something that's really held us back.

The New York Times

No one but Reddit was really held responsible".

The New York Times - Magazine

But she was riveting and really held it for me.

The New York Times

I do think the categories have really held up.

The New York Times

But I never really held it against Guy.

The Guardian - Travel

Are career women really held back by a glass ceiling?

The Guardian - Opinion

One of the women, a girl really, held Sonny against her breast.

The New Yorker

It really held its ground, even when I threw in a curveball mojito.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They are also learning about the reality of slavery and it really held their attention.

The Guardian

Not that any trend has really held up at all during this series.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's conviction, using "really held" can underscore the unwavering nature of their beliefs. For example, "She really held to her principles, even when facing opposition."

Common error

Avoid using "really held" when a more specific verb would provide greater clarity. For instance, instead of "He really held the box", consider "He clutched the box tightly" or "He supported the box carefully".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "really held" primarily functions as an adverbial intensifier modifying the verb 'held'. It emphasizes the degree to which something was maintained, possessed, or supported. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts to highlight the strength or intensity of an action or state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "really held" is a versatile construction, functioning as an adverbial intensifier to emphasize the degree to which something was maintained or believed. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While "really held" is generally correct, consider whether a more specific verb might be more appropriate in certain situations. Alternatives like "truly maintained" or "firmly upheld" can provide nuanced meaning. The consistent usage and grammatical correctness suggest that "really held" is a reliable and effective phrase for adding emphasis in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reliably sustained

Highlights the consistent and dependable nature of the holding.

truly maintained

Emphasizes steadfast preservation instead of just holding.

strongly supported

Emphasizes active endorsement and maintenance.

firmly upheld

Focuses on actively defending or supporting something.

deeply valued

Implies a profound sense of importance and preservation.

legitimately retained

Highlights the legality and justification for keeping something.

genuinely believed

Shifts the focus to the authenticity of a held belief.

effectively controlled

Focuses on successful management and restraint.

sincerely cherished

Highlights the emotional value and care in holding something.

authentically possessed

Emphasizes genuine ownership or experience of something.

FAQs

How can I use "really held" in a sentence?

You can use "really held" to emphasize how strongly someone maintained a position or how well something was sustained. For example, "The community "really held together" during the crisis" or "She "really held onto" her beliefs."

What are some alternatives to "really held"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "truly maintained", "firmly upheld", or "strongly supported".

Is it correct to say "really held on"?

Yes, "really held on" is a correct and common usage, often used to describe persisting in a difficult situation or maintaining a grip, both physically and metaphorically.

What's the difference between "really held" and "strongly held"?

"Really held" emphasizes the intensity or degree to which something was held or maintained, while "strongly held" usually refers to beliefs or opinions that are firmly believed and defended.