remain firm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "remain firm" is perfectly correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the action of a person staying strong and refusing to concede even in the face of pressure. For example, "Despite all the opposition, the politician vowed to remain firm in her position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The two men remain firm friends.

The New York Times

His links to the paper remain firm.

The Guardian

"It's not as frenzied, but sales and prices remain firm".

The New York Times

Trading conditions at our London hub remain firm.

The Guardian - Business

Mrs Speed and Mrs Diouf joined soon after and both remain firm friends of ours.

Independent

Europe and Japan will remain firm allies, and India will probably become one.

The Economist

Their arguments, presented elegantly, rhetorically, in the grand style, remain firm and sonorous.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At this stage the pectin helps ripening fruits to remain firm and retain their shape.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He frequently urges business leaders to remain firm in their opposition to such legislation.

The New Yorker

"We remain firm in our resolve," Senator Leticia Van de Putte of San Antonio said.

The New York Times

In this case, however, some of the initiative's supporters remain firm.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "remain firm", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is remaining firm on. For instance, "The company must remain firm on its commitment to sustainability" provides a clear understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "remain firm" excessively when simpler verbs like "stay" or "continue" would suffice. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remain firm" functions primarily as a verbal phrase. It combines the linking verb "remain" with the adjective "firm" to describe a state of continuing steadfastness or resolution. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

16%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "remain firm" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that conveys steadfastness and resolve. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When writing, ensure you clearly define what one is remaining firm on and avoid overuse. Consider related phrases like ""stand firm"" or ""stay resolute"" to add variety to your expression. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively use "remain firm" to communicate unwavering commitment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stand firm

Focuses more on resisting pressure or opposition, less about maintaining a position.

stay resolute

Emphasizes a strong and determined mindset.

hold one's ground

Highlights defending a position or belief against attack or challenge.

keep to one's position

Emphasizes the maintenance of a stance or viewpoint.

not back down

Directly states a refusal to yield or retreat from a position.

maintain one's stance

Focuses on the act of consistently upholding a particular attitude or opinion.

keep a firm hand

Suggests maintaining control and authority.

stay the course

Implies perseverance and continuing despite difficulties.

hold the line

Highlights maintaining a defensive position, often in the face of significant pressure.

be unwavering

Emphasizes steadfastness and a lack of hesitation or doubt.

FAQs

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

You can use "remain firm" to indicate a steadfast commitment or resolve, as in "The negotiators decided to "remain firm" on their demands".

What are some alternatives to "remain firm"?

Alternatives include "stand firm", "stay resolute", or "hold one's ground", each carrying slightly different nuances.

Is there a difference between "remain firm" and "stay firm"?

While both are similar, "remain firm" often implies a conscious decision to continue holding a position, whereas "stay firm" can simply indicate maintaining it.

When is it appropriate to use "remain firm" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the continuation of a strong position, decision, or belief, especially in the face of opposition or difficulty.