stood his ground

USAGE SUMMARY

"stood his ground" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to refuse to back down or give in despite pressure or opposition. Example: Despite facing numerous challenges and criticisms, the politician stood his ground and continued to fight for his values and beliefs.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Pascall stood his ground.

The New Yorker

But Kyle stood his ground.

The New York Times

Mr Akinci stood his ground.

The Economist

Mr. Livingston stood his ground.

The New York Times

Broad stood his ground.

The Guardian - Sport

Chenayya stood his ground.

The New Yorker

Jack was silent, but stood his ground.

The New Yorker

One such person stood his ground.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

He has stood his ground when necessary".

The New York Times

Yet he stood his ground.

Forbes

But he stood his ground," says Anwar.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using stronger or more descriptive verbs than "stood" if the context allows, to provide a more vivid picture of the character's actions and emotions. For instance, "He braced himself" might work better in some scenarios.

Common error

Avoid using "stood his ground" when the situation requires a more proactive or aggressive response. The phrase implies a defensive posture, not necessarily taking initiative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stood his ground" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically acting as a verb phrase within a sentence. It describes the action of resisting pressure or defending a position. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "stood his ground" is a very common and grammatically correct idiomatic expression used to describe someone who maintains their position or beliefs in the face of opposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and used in written English. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, and is generally considered to be of neutral register. Alternatives include "remained steadfast" and "held his position". A key writing tip is to consider whether the defensive connotation of "stood his ground" aligns with the intended message. A common mistake is failing to ensure that the possessive pronoun aligns with the grammatical gender of the subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

didn't back down

Emphasizes the refusal to retreat or concede in a confrontation.

stood firm

Similar to "stood his ground" but can also refer to physical stability or resolve.

defended his position

Highlights the act of protecting a viewpoint or stance from attack or criticism.

held his position

Focuses on maintaining a specific stance or viewpoint without necessarily implying a direct confrontation.

held the line

Suggests defending a boundary or limit against an opposing force.

maintained his stance

Highlights the act of consistently adhering to a particular belief or opinion.

refused to yield

Emphasizes the active choice to not give in to pressure or demands.

was resolute

Focuses on the unwavering determination and firmness of purpose.

remained steadfast

Implies a strong and unwavering commitment to a particular course of action.

stood up for himself

Highlights the act of defending oneself against unfair treatment or criticism.

FAQs

How can I use "stood his ground" in a sentence?

The phrase "stood his ground" is used to describe someone who maintained their position or opinion despite opposition or pressure. For example, "Despite the criticism, he "stood his ground" and defended his beliefs".

What does "stood his ground" mean?

The phrase "stood his ground" means to refuse to back down or compromise in the face of opposition or adversity. It implies a firm and unwavering resolve to maintain one's position.

What can I say instead of "stood his ground"?

You can use alternatives like "remained steadfast", "held his position", or "refused to yield" depending on the specific context.

Is "stood her ground" also a correct variant of "stood his ground"?

Yes, "stood her ground" is correct. The possessive pronoun should match the gender of the person being described. "Stood his ground" is for males, and "stood her ground" is for females. You can also use "stood their ground" to refer to more than one person or when the gender is unspecified.