stand by me

USAGE SUMMARY

"stand by me" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used to ask someone to stand with you and support you in difficult times. For example: "I'm going through a tough situation right now, so I need you to stand by me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Stand By Me.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Ben E King's 1961 hit Stand By Me, of course.

The Guardian - Music

Like the Blu-ray version of his movie, Stand By Me.

Independent

Shades of Stand By Me, says the Observer picture boss who's sat beside me.

The Guardian

It was a 52-to-1 long shot named Stand By Me.

The New York Times

Stand by Me 185.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Patti stand... by me... Ooohhh stand... by me!" I hear her laughing and enjoying the song and the attention.

Huffington Post

"Like right up there with 'Stand by Me,' " he said.

The New York Times

I saw some from 'Stand by Me,' too.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We're big fans of the movie 'Stand by Me,"' Mr. Caldwell said.

The New York Times

Like the kid says in 'Stand by Me,' about television, 'They keep on "Wagon Training".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stand by me" to convey unwavering support, especially during difficult times. It suggests a commitment to remain loyal and helpful, regardless of circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "stand by me" for minor inconveniences or everyday situations. The phrase carries a strong connotation of serious support, and overusing it can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stand by me" functions as a request or expression of the need for support and loyalty. It's often used in situations where the speaker anticipates challenges and seeks assurance of assistance, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stand by me" is a widely used expression that asks for support and loyalty, particularly during challenging times. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various sources. While versatile, it's most commonly found in news and media, and should be used judiciously to maintain its impact. Related phrases like "support me" or "back me up" can provide alternatives for different nuances of support. Therefore, remember to use "stand by me" when you need solid support, and be ready to provide the same to those who need it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

support me

Focuses directly on providing assistance and encouragement.

support me

Focuses directly on providing assistance and encouragement.

back me up

Emphasizes providing support in a challenging or confrontational situation.

stick with me

Implies staying together through difficulties or changes.

be there for me

Highlights emotional availability and support.

defend me

Suggests active protection against criticism or attack.

be on my side

Emphasizes loyalty and agreement with one's position.

look out for me

Implies caring for someone's well-being and protecting them from harm.

side with me

Highlights aligning oneself with someone in a disagreement or conflict.

befriend me

Focuses on offering camaraderie and mutual support.

FAQs

How can I use "stand by me" in a sentence?

Use "stand by me" to ask for support during a challenging time. For example, "I need you to "stand by me" during this difficult project".

What does it mean to "stand by someone"?

To "stand by someone" means to support and remain loyal to them, especially when they are facing difficulties or criticism. It implies unwavering commitment and assistance.

What are some alternatives to "stand by me"?

You can use alternatives like "support me", "back me up", or "be there for me" depending on the context.

Is "stand by me" a formal or informal expression?

"Stand by me" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both informal and professional settings. However, consider your audience and the gravity of the situation when using it.