to stand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to stand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as expressing a physical position or a metaphorical stance on an issue. Example: "I need you to stand by my side during this difficult time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She wanted to stand.

The New Yorker

People began to stand.

The New Yorker

Many had to stand.

The New Yorker

To stand trial?

The New Yorker

Buchanan continued to stand.

The New Yorker

She managed to stand.

The New Yorker

They struggle to stand.

The New York Times

It hurt to stand.

The New York Times - Sports

Try to stand up.

The New Yorker

Perkus managed to stand.

The New Yorker

Difficult to stand.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to stand" in the context of tolerating something negative, consider adding adverbs such as "barely" or "simply" to convey the extent of your tolerance. For example, "I can barely stand the noise".

Common error

Ensure you use the correct verb form. "Stand" is the infinitive, whereas "standing" is the present participle. Avoid phrases like "I am want to stand" and use "I want to stand" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to stand" primarily functions as an infinitive, often used to express intention, purpose, or potential action. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it commonly combines with auxiliary verbs like 'want', 'need', or 'have' to indicate a desired action or state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

24%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to stand" is a versatile and grammatically sound infinitive phrase with diverse applications, as supported by Ludwig AI. It commonly expresses physical positioning, tolerance, or taking a stance. Because it's used in both formal and informal contexts, it's important to understand its different forms to prevent misusing it in writing. When choosing a semantically related alternative, consider the specific nuance you want to convey, as each alternative carries slightly different implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to endure

Focuses on the aspect of withstanding or bearing something difficult.

to tolerate

Emphasizes accepting or allowing something, often undesirable.

to bear

Similar to endure, but can also imply carrying a burden.

to withstand

Highlights the ability to resist or oppose something.

to remain

Indicates staying in a particular state or condition.

to uphold

Suggests maintaining or supporting something, like a principle or law.

to sustain

Implies supporting or maintaining something over a period of time.

to countenance

Formal way of saying to tolerate or approve of something.

to put up with

Informal way to express tolerating something unpleasant.

to abide

Similar to tolerate but can also imply complying with something.

FAQs

How can I use "to stand" in a sentence?

The phrase "to stand" can be used in various contexts, such as expressing a physical position (e.g., "I need to stand here"), tolerating something (e.g., "I can't stand the noise"), or taking a position on an issue (e.g., "I need to stand up for what I believe in").

What are some alternatives to the phrase "to stand"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "to endure", "to tolerate", or "to remain". The best alternative depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Which is correct, "to stand" or "standing"?

Both "to stand" and "standing" are correct, but they serve different grammatical functions. "To stand" is the infinitive form of the verb, while "standing" is the present participle or gerund form. Use "to stand" after auxiliary verbs like "want", "need", or "have". Use "standing" as a noun or part of a continuous verb tense.

What's the difference between "to stand for" and "to stand against"?

"To stand for" means to support or represent something (e.g., "to stand for justice"), while "to stand against" means to oppose something (e.g., "to stand against injustice").