stay put

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stay put" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used when advising someone not to move or go anywhere. For example, "Please stay put while I go and check on the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Stay put.

The Washington Post

Just stay put.

The New Yorker

Patties stay put.

The New York Times - Food

/ Still we stay put".

The New Yorker

They laugh and stay put.

The New York Times

Best to stay put.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

And he stayed put.

The New York Times - Magazine

But we stayed put.

The New York Times

The house stays put.

The New Yorker

Stayed put till 1939.

The New Yorker

The runners stayed put.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stay put" when you want to clearly and concisely instruct someone to remain in their current location, especially in situations where movement could be detrimental or confusing. It's easily understood and direct.

Common error

Avoid using "stay put" in situations requiring a more polite or nuanced request. While generally neutral, it can sound abrupt or even commanding if not used carefully. Consider using alternatives like "please remain here" in formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stay put" functions as an imperative verb phrase, typically used to instruct or advise someone to remain in their current location. Ludwig examples show it used in both direct commands and more advisory contexts, confirming its primary function of indicating immobility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "stay put" is a common and grammatically correct imperative used to instruct someone to remain in their current location. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely used in news and media, as well as in general instructions. While the phrase maintains a neutral tone, it's important to consider the context and audience to avoid sounding too commanding. For more formal situations, alternatives like "please remain here" may be more appropriate. Ludwig's examples highlight the phrase's versatility and practical applications in various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do not move

A direct command not to change location.

stay where you are

Adds a personal element, directing someone specifically to remain in their current spot.

remain where one is

Focuses on the act of remaining in the current location, emphasizing stillness.

remain in place

Highlights the act of staying fixed and unmoving.

hold one's position

Emphasizes maintaining a specific location, often in a defensive or strategic context.

don't go anywhere

Informal command to not leave.

keep still

Focuses on avoiding movement, often used when needing someone to be calm or quiet.

do not budge

Implies resistance to being moved or persuaded to move.

stick around

An informal way of saying to remain in the vicinity.

maintain your station

Suggests upholding one's current status or role.

FAQs

How do I use "stay put" in a sentence?

You can use "stay put" to instruct someone to remain in their current location. For example, "The rescue team told everyone to "stay put" until they arrived".

What does "stay put" mean?

"Stay put" means to remain in the same place or position, without moving or leaving.

Which is correct, "stay put" or "stay placed"?

"Stay put" is the correct and commonly used phrase. "Stay placed" is not a standard English idiom and should be avoided.

What are some alternatives to "stay put"?

Alternatives include "remain where you are", "stay where you are", or "do not move", depending on the context and desired level of formality.