stand steady

USAGE SUMMARY

"stand steady" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to express a need to remain stable and unmoving, either in terms of physical position or emotional state. For example: "The ground beneath me felt unsteady, but I managed to stand steady."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

They will brace themselves against the gusts hoping to stand steady enough for a commemorative picture.

The New York Times - Travel

During the baseline and post-intervention surface EMG assessment, a total of 10 s of surface EMG was recorded from bilateral MG muscle while the subjects tried to stand steady on their toes.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

During the baseline and post-intervention surface EMG assessment, subjects were asked to stand steady on their toes for a total of 10 s with heel-rise of both their feet while the surface EMG was recorded from fatiguing bilateral MG muscles.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

This time, we worked with the one and only shoe specialist Endless to choose two pair of heels with ample heel support to stand steady and focus on the ball.

Huffington Post

We can surrender a become a victim of fear, and let it destroy more life, or, we can stand steady on the ground of living in ways that protect, nourish and raise up and bless new life upon this earth.

Huffington Post

The participant will be instructed to hold steady until instructed to stand, and then to stand up quickly and to stand steady once upright.

BMC Geriatrics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

More than 60 percent favored overturning "don't ask, don't tell" — a figure that has stood steady at least since 2005, according to the Gallup Organization, which tracks public sentiment on gay rights.

The New York Times

"We stood steady as the stars in the woods/So happy hearted/And the warmth rang true inside these bones," he sang in "Old Pine," one of his few songs of contentment.

The New York Times - Arts

They were gathered under a yellow-and-red banner ("Immigrant Justice Now: Say No to Trump, Say No to Hate"), and stood steady and quiet, like neighborhood sentries, as the sun began to set.

The New Yorker

"Five years ago, when most of Latin America was contracting debt to sell more to China, Mexico stood steady," he said.

Vice

Old John, a tall man now slightly bent, stood steadying himself with his long shepherd's crook.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stand steady" when emphasizing the act of maintaining physical or emotional equilibrium in challenging circumstances. It conveys resilience and stability.

Common error

Avoid using "stand steady" when you simply mean to remain motionless. "Stand still" is more appropriate when the focus is on the absence of movement, rather than actively maintaining balance or resolve.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stand steady" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action related to maintaining balance or a stable position, both physically and metaphorically. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stand steady" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, denoting the act of maintaining balance or stability, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. While not exceedingly common, it finds its place across diverse contexts such as news, scientific discourse, and general writing. It emphasizes resilience and composure during challenging times. To enhance clarity, be mindful not to confuse it with "stand still", which simply implies a lack of movement. To express the concept of "stand steady" you can use "remain stable" or "hold firm".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep steady

Focuses on consistency and lack of wavering.

stand firm

Similar to hold firm, but with a nuance of determination in one's stance.

remain stable

Focuses on the state of being stable rather than the action of maintaining it.

hold firm

Emphasizes the strength and resistance aspect of maintaining position or belief.

hold your ground

Implies defending a position against opposition.

keep balance

Specifically refers to physical equilibrium.

stay upright

Highlights the vertical position.

stay resolute

Highlights unwavering determination in the face of adversity.

maintain composure

Shifts the focus to emotional or mental stability.

keep your footing

Focuses on maintaining a firm grip with one's feet.

FAQs

How can I use "stand steady" in a sentence?

You can use "stand steady" to describe maintaining physical balance, as in "Despite the strong wind, she tried to stand steady". It can also refer to emotional resilience, such as "In times of crisis, it's important to stand steady and not panic".

What does it mean to "stand steady"?

To "stand steady" means to maintain one's balance or position, both physically and metaphorically. It implies stability, resilience, and a refusal to be moved or shaken.

What can I say instead of "stand steady"?

Alternatives to "stand steady" include "remain stable", "hold firm", or "keep balance", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "stand steady" and "stand firm"?

While both phrases suggest stability, "stand firm" often implies a more assertive resistance to opposition, whereas "stand steady" focuses more on maintaining equilibrium and composure in the face of challenges.