stay the same

USAGE SUMMARY

"stay the same" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
For example, you could use it in the sentence "No matter how much time passes, our friendship will stay the same."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So that'll stay the same.

The New York Times

"I stay the same".

The New York Times

Not all things stay the same.

The New York Times - Sports

The basic details stay the same.

The New Yorker

Otherwise, their grades will stay the same.

The New York Times

But will they stay the same?

The New Yorker

But allergies do not stay the same.

Independent

They wanted Clarksdale to stay the same".

The New York Times

Only the fans stay the same.

Independent

The basics stay the same.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They stay the same age".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stay the same" to describe a future scenario, ensure the context clearly indicates the factors that will contribute to this lack of change.

Common error

Avoid using "stay the same" when a more specific term could better convey the nature of the consistency. For example, instead of saying "prices stay the same", consider "prices are fixed" or "prices remain stable" for greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stay the same" functions as a predicate within a sentence, typically following a subject and linking verb (often an auxiliary verb like 'will' or 'can'). Its primary grammatical role is to describe a state of being or condition that persists without change. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and broadly usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Science

7%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stay the same" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase widely used to indicate a lack of change or a continuation of the existing state. As Ludwig AI confirms, its straightforward nature makes it suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, though it appears across various categories of writing. To add nuance, consider alternatives such as "remain unchanged" or "persist in its current state". While generally neutral in register, more precise language might be favored in highly formal or technical settings. Remember to use it appropriately, and be mindful of more descriptive language to enhance clarity in certain contexts. With its high frequency and broad applicability, "stay the same" remains a valuable part of the English lexicon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain unchanged

Emphasizes the absence of alteration or modification.

not undergo any change

Directly states the absence of any transformation or alteration.

persist in its current state

Highlights the continuation of the existing condition without deviation.

continue as before

Indicates a seamless continuation of previous conditions or actions.

maintain the status quo

Focuses on upholding the existing arrangements or conditions.

hold constant

Implies a deliberate effort to keep something at a fixed value or condition.

be unaffected

Emphasizes that something is not influenced or altered by external factors.

keep consistent

Stresses the uniformity and lack of variation over time or across instances.

retain its properties

Highlights the preservation of specific attributes or characteristics.

abide as it is

Suggests acceptance of the current condition without intention of modification.

FAQs

How can I use "stay the same" in a sentence?

You can use "stay the same" to indicate a lack of change or alteration. For instance, "Despite the challenges, our commitment will "remain unchanged"" or "The rules will "persist in its current state"".

What are some alternatives to "stay the same"?

Alternatives include "remain unchanged", "hold constant", or "continue as before" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "stays the same" instead of "stay the same"?

No, "stays the same" is only correct when referring to a singular subject. Use "stay the same" for plural subjects or in general statements. For example, "He stays the same" versus "They stay the same".

When is it appropriate to use "stay the same" versus "remain the same"?

"Stay the same" and "remain the same" are often interchangeable, but "stay the same" can imply a more active or deliberate effort to maintain the current state, while "remain the same" suggests a passive continuation.