withstand

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "withstand" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone or something is able to resist an action or a force. Example sentence: The castle withstood the barrage of cannon fire for weeks.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There are very few health systems in the world that could withstand a health crisis on this scale, but it is right to say we need to learn lessons from how the WHO and the international community responded.

The Guardian

Reassertion of a party's moral purpose encourages its supporters to withstand the periods of hard pounding that every government has to endure.

The Guardian - Opinion

Osborne said the package of measures agreed in July to provide financial support for troubled members of the single currency needed to be implemented, as well as ensuring banks had enough capital to withstand market pressures.

The Guardian - Business

As part of the partnership with the Rockefeller Foundation, a dedicated section within Guardian Cities will focus on the issue of urban resilience, the ability of a city to prepare for, withstand, and rebound more quickly and effectively from acute shocks and chronic stresses.

The Guardian

Today, The Rockefeller Foundation pursues this mission through dual goals: advancing inclusive economies that expand opportunities for more broadly shared prosperity, and building resilience by helping people, communities and institutions prepare for, withstand, and emerge stronger from acute shocks and chronic stresses.

The Guardian

To withstand life on land, where his every movement is difficult, the male will build up reserves, ready to lose a third of his massive bodyweight during this trying period of vigilance, fighting and sex.

The Guardian - Travel

Since the ACA was signed into law in 2010, it has miraculously managed to withstand "Hitler death panel" comparisons, state by state efforts to block its implementation, a US supreme court challenge to its constitutionality and, most recently, a defunding effort that led to the federal government shutdown.

The Guardian - Opinion

Cale Hooker was the unlikely hero when he put his side back in front with a snapped goal with 57 seconds remaining, but the Bombers had to withstand one final assault.

The Guardian - Sport

No country in Europe would be able to withstand such an onslaught because we have very different social security systems.

The Guardian

Both sides had lost five semi-finals in the previous six seasons and it was the Dons who always looked like ending their run when Hayes opened the scoring in the third minute, although they had to withstand some concerted pressure before doubling their lead through Pawlett.

The Guardian - Sport

But the home side had to withstand the visitors pulling a goal back seven minutes after the interval and defender Bilel Mohsni being sent off after 61 minutes to maintain their 23-point advantage at the top.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "withstand", ensure the subject is capable of withstanding the force or pressure it is subjected to. For example, "the building withstood the earthquake" is correct, whereas "the idea withstood the earthquake" is not.

Common error

Avoid using "withstand" with abstract nouns that cannot physically resist something. Instead of saying "the argument withstood criticism", use a more appropriate verb like "survived" or "held up under".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "withstand" is as a transitive verb. It requires a direct object, indicating what is being resisted or endured. Ludwig shows various examples of its correct usage in sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "withstand" is a versatile transitive verb used to describe the ability to endure or resist something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples from reputable sources, primarily in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific contexts. While it's a common word, it's important to use it correctly with subjects capable of physical or metaphorical resistance. Alternatives like "resist", "endure", and "hold out against" offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resist

Emphasizes active opposition to something.

endure

Focuses on bearing hardship or difficulty over a period.

stand up to

Implies courageously opposing a powerful force.

hold out against

Implies resisting an attack or pressure.

bear

Highlights the ability to tolerate something unpleasant.

weather

Suggests successfully navigating a difficult situation.

tolerate

Focuses on accepting something without opposition.

overcome

Suggests successfully dealing with and moving past a challenge.

brave

Stresses the courage required to face something.

face

Implies confronting something directly.

FAQs

How can I use "withstand" in a sentence?

"Withstand" is used to indicate resistance or endurance against something. For example, "The bridge was designed to withstand strong winds."

What are some alternatives to "withstand"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "resist", "endure", or "hold out against".

Is it correct to say "withstand to" something?

No, the correct usage is "withstand" something, without the preposition "to". For example, "The fortress withstood the siege" is correct.

What's the difference between "withstand" and "resist"?

"Withstand" often implies enduring something, while "resist" implies active opposition. A shield can withstand blows, while a nation can resist an invasion.