stand by someone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stand by someone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express support or loyalty to someone, especially during difficult times. Example: "Even when things got tough, she promised to stand by him no matter what."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

A man's loyalty is truly tested when he is willing to stand by someone who will never show that same respect.

Huffington Post

"A man's loyalty is truly tested when he is willing to stand by someone who will never show that same respect," Braun wrote on Monday.

Huffington Post

Looking at the ramifications of that and being willing to stand by someone you claim is a friend until it is proven they have committed a crime, is often the harder thing to do.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

And possibly a warm feeling for having stood by someone who stood up to the Clintons".

The New York Times

work, it was the first time he had stood by someone's side at the moment of death.

The New York Times

He said that he is grateful for the support he has received from his friends and family, which has kept him strong: "It can't have been an easy thing to have stood by someone who the court found guilty of such a destructive act".

Independent

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Vice

"Are we supposed to stand by as someone creates an enclave of their own citizens on Slovak territory?" he asked.That was mild compared to the words of Jan Slota, leader of the racist Slovak National Party, a junior partner in Mr Fico's coalition.

The Economist

Do not stand by while someone's life is in danger.

Huffington Post

When he asked: Can we just stand by while someone is gassing a thousand of his own people, killing children?

Huffington Post

This is not a time to be silent or to stand by when someone tells you that we should "respectfully give the new president a chance".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing a narrative or expressing solidarity, use alternatives such as "support someone", "be there for someone", or "stick with someone" to achieve the desired communication effect.

Common error

Avoid using "stand by someone" if you are only offering temporary or conditional support. This phrase implies a deep, ongoing commitment, so ensure your actions align with the level of loyalty it suggests.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "stand by someone" is to act as a phrasal verb, indicating support and loyalty. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in expressing commitment to a person, as demonstrated by the real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stand by someone" is a common and grammatically correct phrasal verb used to express unwavering support and loyalty, especially during difficult times. According to Ludwig AI, its meaning implies a strong commitment to be there for the person it refers to. The phrase is appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news and media, and can be replaced with alternatives like "support someone" or "be there for someone". Remember to use this phrase when you want to convey a deep and ongoing commitment to someone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

support someone

Focuses on providing assistance and encouragement.

support someone unconditionally

Emphasizes unwavering support regardless of circumstances.

be there for someone

Highlights availability and emotional support.

stick with someone

Suggests loyalty and perseverance through difficulties.

side with someone

Implies taking someone's side in a conflict or disagreement.

back someone up

Indicates providing assistance or reinforcement.

rally behind someone

Suggests collective support and encouragement.

defend someone

Focuses on protecting someone from harm or criticism.

be a pillar of support for someone

Emphasizes providing stable and reliable support.

champion someone's cause

Highlights advocating for someone's beliefs or goals.

FAQs

What does it mean to "stand by someone"?

To "stand by someone" means to support and be loyal to them, especially during difficult times. It implies a steadfast commitment and a willingness to be there for that person regardless of the circumstances.

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

You can use "stand by someone" to express your unwavering support. For example, "Even though he made a mistake, I will "stand by him"." Or "She promised to "stand by her friend" through thick and thin."

What can I say instead of "stand by someone"?

You can use alternatives like "support someone", "be there for someone", or "stick with someone" depending on the context.

Is "stand by someone" formal or informal?

"Stand by someone" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the specific situation and the relationship between the people involved.