stand up to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'stand up to' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the idea of confronting someone or something with courage or strength. Example sentence: He always had the courage to stand up to injustice.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Stand up to bankers.

The New York Times

Stand up to the [expletive].

The New York Times

"Nobody can stand up to his charm.

The New Yorker

We'd stand up to the President.

The New Yorker

He does stand up to her.

Independent

"And he can stand up to Obama".

The New York Times

We can stand up to them".

The New York Times

He should stand up to official protests.

The Economist

Finch will stand up to racists.

The New Yorker

But who can stand up to Apple?

The New York Times

"Someone to stand up to Boxer".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stand up to" when you want to convey the act of resisting or confronting someone or something with courage. It often implies a moral dimension, suggesting the person or thing being stood up to is in the wrong.

Common error

Avoid using "stand up to" in situations where a more collaborative approach is needed. It implies a level of opposition that might not be appropriate in all contexts. Consider /s/negotiate+with "negotiate with" or /s/work+together+with "work together with" for more cooperative scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "stand up to" primarily functions as a dynamic verb, indicating an action of confronting or resisting something. This is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its correct usage in expressing courage or strength when facing opposition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "stand up to" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that conveys the act of resisting or confronting someone or something with courage. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is suitable for expressing defiance against perceived threats, injustice, or authority. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for various situations. When writing, remember that "stand up to" implies a level of opposition and may not always be appropriate for collaborative scenarios. Alternatives like /s/negotiate+with "negotiate with" or /s/work+together+with "work together with" may be more effective when less confrontational language is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a stand against

More explicitly indicates opposition to something, often with a moral or ethical dimension.

defy

Implies open disobedience or resistance, often against a powerful force.

fight back against

Emphasizes active resistance and a struggle against something.

confront

Implies a direct and often forceful encounter, suggesting a more immediate challenge.

challenge

Suggests questioning or disputing something, pushing back against an idea or authority.

resist

Focuses on the act of opposing or withstanding, often without direct confrontation.

withstand

Emphasizes enduring or resisting something, particularly a force or pressure.

oppose

Indicates disagreement or disapproval, which may or may not involve direct action.

face up to

Focuses on accepting and dealing with a difficult situation or person.

brave

Highlights courage in facing something daunting or intimidating.

FAQs

How to use "stand up to" in a sentence?

You can use "stand up to" to describe the act of defending oneself or others against opposition, bullying, or injustice. For instance, "She decided to "stand up to" the company's unfair policies."

What can I say instead of "stand up to"?

You can use alternatives like "confront", "resist", or "challenge" depending on the specific context.

Is "stand up to" formal or informal?

"Stand up to" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "oppose" might be preferred in certain professional settings.

What's the difference between "stand up to" and "support"?

"Stand up to" implies opposition or resistance, while "support" means to provide assistance or approval. They are opposite in meaning.