stayed put

USAGE SUMMARY

"stayed put" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to convey that someone remained in a certain place. For example, "The cat stayed put under the bed until everyone left the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The 11th stayed put.

The New York Times

The Chinese stayed put.

The New York Times

But we stayed put.

The New York Times

Mr. Halberstam stayed put.

The New York Times

Stayed put till 1939.

The New Yorker

The runners stayed put.

The New York Times - Sports

The bails stayed put.

Independent

Douglas Clayton stayed put.

The New York Times

And he stayed put.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The house stays put.

The New Yorker

Just stay put.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stayed put" to clearly indicate that someone or something remained in a specific location or condition, especially when there was an expectation or possibility of movement.

Common error

Avoid using "stayed put" when simply stating someone's location without any prior implication of movement. The phrase implies a deliberate choice or effort to remain in place, so ensure this context is present.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stayed put" functions as an intransitive phrasal verb, indicating the action of remaining in a specific location or condition. Ludwig examples show it used to describe people, objects, and even abstract entities like the Patriots' defense, emphasizing a lack of movement or change.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "stayed put" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the action of remaining in a particular place or condition. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides numerous real-world examples from reputable sources, predominantly in the News & Media category. When writing, remember that "stayed put" implies a deliberate decision to remain, even when there might be an expectation or opportunity to leave. For more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "remained in place", but in general conversation or news articles, "stayed put" is perfectly acceptable. This phrase helps to convey a sense of stability and persistence and is an effective tool for clear and concise writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remained stationary

Focuses on the lack of movement, emphasizing physical stillness.

held their ground

Implies resistance to movement or displacement, often in a defensive context.

remained in place

Highlights the continuation of being in a specific location.

did not budge

Emphasizes a refusal to move or change position, often suggesting stubbornness.

stood firm

Conveys a sense of resilience and unwavering commitment to a position.

stayed in position

Similar to "remained in place" but can also refer to a strategic or assigned location.

kept their station

Suggests maintaining a designated post or duty.

remained unmoved

Emphasizes a lack of emotional or physical displacement.

did not shift

Highlights the absence of any alteration or change in position.

stayed the course

Indicates persistence in pursuing a goal or maintaining a direction, despite challenges.

FAQs

How can I use "stayed put" in a sentence?

You can use "stayed put" to indicate that someone or something remained in a specific location or condition. For example, "Despite the chaos, the cat "stayed put" under the bed" or "The protesters "stayed put" despite the rain".

What's a more formal way to say "stayed put"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "remained in place" or "held their ground". These options maintain the meaning of remaining in a specific location but sound more sophisticated.

Is it ever incorrect to use "stayed put"?

While generally correct, "stayed put" might be inappropriate if there was no expectation or possibility of movement. In such cases, simply stating the location (e.g., "He was there") is more accurate.

What is the difference between "stayed put" and "remained"?

"Remained" is a broader term indicating a continuation of a state or condition. "Stayed put" specifically implies remaining in a location, often when there was a reason or opportunity to leave. You might use "remained" to describe an unchanged opinion, while "stayed put" would be more suitable for describing someone who didn't leave their house.