remained calm

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "remained calm" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone kept a level head in a tense situation or when faced with some kind of adversity. Example sentence: When faced with the sudden news, John remained calm and collected and thought thoroughly about his next steps.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Thornton remained calm.

The New York Times - Sports

The arborist remained calm.

The New Yorker

The bride remained calm.

The New York Times

But Aldea remained calm.

The Washington Post

We remained calm.

The New York Times - Sports

Only Völler remained calm.

The Guardian - Sport

Lady Antonia remained calm.

The New York Times

He remained calm and unflustered.

The Economist

But the capital remained calm.

The Economist

Still, Dunphy's voice remained calm.

The Washington Post

Olivia remained calm, of course.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "remained calm" to describe a deliberate effort to control emotions or reactions, especially in stressful or unexpected situations. For instance, "Despite the chaos, she remained calm and focused on the task at hand."

Common error

Avoid using "remained calm" in situations where a display of emotion is natural or expected. Describing someone as having "remained calm" at a joyful event, for instance, may seem out of place.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remained calm" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a predicate, that describes the state of being or the action performed by the subject. It indicates that the subject maintained a state of calmness, especially in a situation where one might expect the opposite. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its typical usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "remained calm" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of maintaining composure, especially during stressful situations. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news and media, as well as in more formal business contexts. The phrase is generally neutral in tone, making it suitable for a variety of writing styles. Related phrases include "stayed composed" and "kept their cool", though the choice depends on the specific context. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the emotional tone of the situation; avoid using it when a display of emotion is more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stayed composed

Replaces "calm" with "composed", emphasizing a controlled emotional state.

remained level-headed

Focuses on the ability to think rationally and clearly under pressure.

kept their cool

An idiomatic alternative, highlighting the ability to manage stress and pressure effectively.

maintained composure

A more formal way of saying someone didn't panic or get upset.

didn't panic

Directly states the absence of panic, focusing on the emotional response.

held steady

Emphasizes stability and unwavering action in a difficult situation.

were unperturbed

Indicates a lack of disturbance or worry in the face of challenges.

showed restraint

Highlights the controlled behavior and suppression of impulsive reactions.

took it in stride

Suggests handling a challenging situation with equanimity and adaptability.

met it with equanimity

A more formal way of expressing calm acceptance and balance.

FAQs

How can I use "remained calm" in a sentence?

You can use "remained calm" to describe someone's behavior in a stressful situation. For example, "Even when the stock market crashed, the investor "remained calm" and didn't sell his shares."

What are some alternatives to "remained calm"?

Alternatives to "remained calm" include phrases like "stayed composed", "kept their cool", or "maintained composure", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "remained calm" or "stayed calm"?

"Remained calm" and "stayed calm" are largely interchangeable. The choice often depends on personal preference and the flow of the sentence. "Remained calm" might suggest a more prolonged state of calmness.

What's the difference between "remained calm" and "seemed calm"?

"Remained calm" implies that someone was truly calm internally, whereas "seemed calm" suggests they only appeared calm, even if they were anxious or worried inside.