to be solid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be solid" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is reliable, strong, or well-founded, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "Her argument was well-researched and to be solid, making it difficult to refute."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sports

Books

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He wants to be solid.

The New York Times

We're going to be solid.

The New York Times - Sports

"This used to be solid eelgrass.

The New York Times

"Our turnovers have to be solid".

The New York Times - Sports

There appears to be solid ground for optimism.

The Guardian - Music

Dr. Moses' work turned out to be solid.

The New York Times - Science

I used to be solid all the way through.

The Guardian - Books

And small-cap funds continued to be solid performers.

The New York Times

When you play against Phoenix, you have to be solid".

The New York Times - Sports

You have to be solid in an organization.

The New York Times

We have to be solid and take our chances".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be solid" in writing, ensure that the context clearly defines what aspect of solidity you are referring to—reliability, strength, or physical firmness—to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "to be solid" in overly abstract or vague contexts where its meaning becomes diluted. Instead, opt for more precise language that clearly conveys the intended quality or characteristic.

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to be solid" primarily functions as a predicate adjective complement, describing a state of being or a characteristic. It modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a quality of reliability, strength, or firmness. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

10%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Books

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the infinitive phrase "to be solid" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey reliability, strength, or stability. According to Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly featured in news and media, its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts. When using "to be solid", ensure clarity and avoid overuse in overly abstract situations to maximize its impact. Alternatives like "to be reliable" or "to be dependable" can provide nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be reliable

Focuses on dependability and trustworthiness rather than physical firmness.

to be dependable

Highlights the characteristic of being trustworthy and can be relied upon.

to be stable

Emphasizes steadiness and resistance to change or disruption.

to be robust

Suggests strength and resilience, capable of withstanding challenges.

to be secure

Implies safety and protection against threats or vulnerabilities.

to be firm

Focuses on resoluteness and steadfastness, both physically and metaphorically.

to be well-founded

Highlights that something is based on solid evidence or reasoning.

to be unshakeable

Emphasizes the inability to be moved or undermined.

to be unwavering

Suggests a steadfast commitment and resistance to fluctuation.

to be consistent

Highlights the aspect of maintaining a regular pattern or standard.

FAQs

How can I use "to be solid" in a sentence?

You can use "to be solid" to describe something reliable, strong, or well-founded. For example: "Their plan needs "to be solid" before implementation."

What are some alternatives to "to be solid"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "to be reliable", "to be dependable", or "to be stable".

Is it better to say "to be solid" or "to be sturdy"?

"To be solid" and "to be sturdy" are similar, but "to be sturdy" often implies physical robustness, while "to be solid" can also refer to reliability or soundness. Choose the phrase that best fits the intended meaning. The phrases are not interchangeable in every context.

When is it appropriate to use "to be solid" metaphorically?

It is appropriate to use "to be solid" metaphorically when describing abstract concepts like plans, arguments, or relationships, where you want to convey a sense of reliability, strength, or stability. For example, "Their relationship needs "to be solid" to withstand challenges."