remain stationary

USAGE SUMMARY

"remain stationary" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to a physical object staying still or not moving. For example, "The butterfly remained stationary on the flower for several moments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As long as the objects within the room remain stationary, the reflected beam remains the same as the broadcast beam.

The New York Times

It takes a Herculean effort to remain stationary in the current, let alone move incrementally forward.

The Guardian - Travel

This enabled them to remain stationary at sea even in the roughest of conditions.

The Guardian - Opinion

As much as we might like to remain stationary, it isn't possible.

The New York Times - Arts

And some of the elevators seemed programmed to remain stationary until the autumnal equinox.

The New York Times

Some remain stationary; these are wrapped in linen to avoid burns.

The New York Times

But the in-focus object plane and sensor also remain stationary.

Stanford University

Intermediate particles will remain stationary, and the largest or densest particles will continue to migrate downward.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Under the previous rules, a goalie had had to remain stationary when making a save.

Encyclopedia Britannica

While baking is taking place, the rack may remain stationary or be slowly rotated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If Uncle Si didn't want to move, you hit the ball close enough so he could remain stationary.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing scientific experiments, use "remain stationary" to clearly indicate that certain elements did not move during the observation period. This emphasizes the controlled conditions of your study.

Common error

Don't use "remain stationary" to describe something that should naturally be moving or changing. This can create a confusing or contradictory statement. For example, avoid saying "The data remained stationary" if you are expecting the data to evolve over time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remain stationary" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as a predicate to describe the state of something not moving. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and widely used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Academia

12%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "remain stationary" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe a state of immobility. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered grammatically sound and widely used. With a "Very common" frequency, it appears across diverse contexts, especially in News & Media, Scientific, and Encyclopedic sources. While the phrase is generally formal, its alternatives like "stay still" and "hold steady" offer less formal options. When using "remain stationary", ensure it aligns with the natural behavior of the subject you're describing, avoiding its application where movement or change is expected.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not move

A straightforward way to express the absence of movement.

stay still

Focuses on the absence of movement, emphasizing a temporary state.

hold steady

Suggests maintaining a position or state without wavering.

keep motionless

Emphasizes the lack of any motion.

stand still

Implies remaining in an upright, unmoving position.

be static

Describes a state of not changing or moving.

be immobile

Highlights an inability to move.

be at rest

Suggests a state of calmness and inactivity.

maintain position

Focuses on actively keeping a certain location.

freeze in place

Implies an abrupt stop and holding of position.

FAQs

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

You can use "remain stationary" to describe an object or entity that does not move or change position. For example: "The car needed to "remain stationary" during the red light."

What are some alternatives to "remain stationary"?

Some alternatives to "remain stationary" include "stay still", "hold steady", and "keep motionless". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "remain stationary" or "stay stationary"?

While both are understandable, "remain stationary" is generally preferred in more formal contexts. "Stay stationary" is acceptable, but may sound slightly less polished. Consider the register of your writing when choosing between the two.

What does it mean for something to "remain stationary" in a scientific experiment?

In a scientific experiment, for something to "remain stationary" means that it does not change its position or location throughout the duration of the experiment. This is often a controlled variable to ensure accurate results.