stands by

USAGE SUMMARY

"stands by" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone who remains loyal or unwavering in their support of someone or something. For example, "Though many disagreed with her decision, she stood by it until the very end."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

He stands by, very sorry.

The New Yorker

She stands by her vote".

The New York Times

Paulo Ferreira stands by.

The Guardian - Sport

But Massey stands by his woman throughout.

The New York Times

Chipman, though, stands by his rant.

The New Yorker

He stands by that view today.

The Economist

Yet the group stands by its ranking.

The Economist

He stands by his original account.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

TechCrunch stands by its reporting.

TechCrunch

The Guardian stands by its reporting.

TechCrunch

Lucent Stands By Q2 Revenue Growth Forecast.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stands by" to indicate unwavering support for an idea, person, or decision, especially when facing opposition or doubt.

Common error

Avoid using "stands by" when a more active form of support, such as direct intervention or advocacy, is more appropriate. "Stands by" implies a more passive form of support, sometimes suggesting a lack of further action.

Linguistic Context

Stands by functions primarily as a phrasal verb, indicating unwavering support, maintenance, or defense of something. Examples from Ludwig show its use in contexts where individuals or organizations reaffirm their position or belief. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stands by" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrasal verb that indicates unwavering support, defense, or adherence to something. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, as well as science and formal business settings. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity. Alternative phrases include "supports" and "defends". When using "stands by", ensure that it aligns with the intended meaning of maintaining a consistent and firm position.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Supports

Focuses more on providing assistance or approval.

Sticks to

Suggests remaining committed to a plan, statement, or belief.

Defends

Emphasizes the act of protecting or arguing in favor of something.

Backs

Offers direct support, often in a more active or involved way.

Upholds

Suggests maintaining or preserving something, such as a principle or decision.

Endorses

Implies a formal approval or recommendation.

Maintains

Highlights the act of keeping or continuing to have something, like a belief or position.

Affirms

Focuses on stating something as a fact with confidence.

Substantiates

Indicates providing evidence to support the truth of something.

Confirms

Emphasizes verifying or establishing the truth or correctness of something.

FAQs

How can I use "stands by" in a sentence?

You can use "stands by" to indicate unwavering support or adherence to a belief or statement. For example, "The company "stands by" its original claims despite the criticism."

What does it mean when someone "stands by" their statement?

When someone ""stands by"" their statement, it means they are reaffirming it and continuing to support it, even if it is being challenged or questioned.

What's a good alternative to "stands by"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "supports", "defends", or "upholds".

Is "stands by" formal or informal language?

"Stands by" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is more commonly seen in news reporting and professional communications.