stood by

USAGE SUMMARY

"stood by" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to remain in a particular place or position, especially to offer support or assistance. Example: During the accident, I stood by and watched as the firefighters worked to put out the flames. Other examples: - My best friend always stands by me, no matter what. - The president promised to stand by his campaign promises. - Despite the challenges, she stood by her decision to pursue her dreams. - The loyal fans stood by their team even in their worst moments. - I will always stand by my family, through thick and thin.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

stood by its account.

The New York Times

Konrad stood by.

The New Yorker

We stood by helplessly.

The New York Times

Her son stood by watching.

The New York Times - Magazine

But Davis stood by him.

The New Yorker

We've stood by the law.

The New York Times

"But she stood by me".

Independent

Lianne stood by the window.

The New Yorker

Pollard stood by his comments.

The New York Times - Sports

Officially they stood by him.

The New York Times - Arts

Hamilton stood by him, though.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stood by", ensure the context clarifies whether it implies support, passive observation, or a decision not to intervene. This avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming "stood by" always means providing assistance. It can also mean being present without acting, or upholding a particular belief without necessarily defending it. Consider "supported" if you want to imply active help.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "stood by" is as a phrasal verb, functioning as the past tense of the verb "stand by". As shown in the Ludwig examples, it often modifies a noun or pronoun, expressing the idea of supporting, remaining loyal, or being present during an event without actively participating.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "stood by" is grammatically correct and very commonly used, primarily in news and media contexts. According to Ludwig AI, it conveys meanings ranging from supporting someone to passively observing an event. When using "stood by", be mindful of the context to avoid ambiguity, as it can imply both active support and mere presence. Alternatives like ""supported"" or "remained loyal" may be more appropriate depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

supported

Implies active assistance or advocacy, shifting the focus from passive presence to active help.

backed

Suggests providing resources or approval, indicating a stronger form of support.

remained loyal

Highlights the aspect of unwavering allegiance, emphasizing commitment through difficulties.

defended

Emphasizes protecting someone or something from attack, signifying a proactive role.

adhered to

Stresses commitment to a principle or stance, suitable when "stood by" refers to upholding something.

maintained position

Highlights holding a specific viewpoint or location, appropriate when "stood by" refers to not changing one's stance.

took no action

Implies a deliberate choice not to intervene, which can be a specific nuance of "stood by" in some contexts.

was present

Focuses solely on physical presence, removing the connotation of support or inaction.

observed

Implies watching without intervening, contrasting with the potential for action in "stood by".

waited

Focuses on the act of awaiting, lacking the implications of support or observation.

FAQs

What does "stood by" mean?

"Stood by" typically means to support or defend someone or something, or to remain in a particular position or state. It can also imply being present without taking action.

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

You might say, "The community "supported" the local business during the crisis," or "The security guards "observed" the situation without intervening".

What's the difference between "stood by" and "supported"?

"Stood by" can imply both support and mere presence, while ""supported"" more actively suggests offering assistance or encouragement.

What are some alternatives to "stood by" that emphasize support?

Alternatives that highlight support include "backed", "defended", or "remained loyal", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.