withstood the test

USAGE SUMMARY

"withstood the test" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to successfully endure or withstand something challenging or difficult. You can use it to describe someone or something that has proven to be resilient or strong in the face of adversity. For example: - "Despite facing numerous obstacles, she withstood the test and became a successful entrepreneur." - "The building withstood the test of time and remained standing, even after decades of neglect." - "This product has withstood the test of consumer demand and remains a top-seller for years." - "Their relationship withstood the test of distance and they remained in love, even while living in different countries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They've withstood the test of time.

The New York Times - Sports

It has withstood the test of time.

The Guardian

Pocono seems to have withstood the test.

The New York Times - Sports

pleasers and dramas that have withstood the test of time.

University of California, Berkeley

"It has not withstood the test of time.

The New York Times - Arts

TVP's songs, though, have withstood the test of time.

The Guardian - Music

The Pinochet judgment has withstood the test of time.

The Guardian - Opinion

The result has mostly withstood the test of time.

The Washington Post

The cemented Charnley LFA has withstood the test of time.

Orthopaedic Bone Cements

These little gems have not withstood the test of peer review well.

University of California, Berkeley

Ancient ceramics have a built-in advantage because they have already withstood the test of time.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "withstood the test" to emphasize that something has proven its durability, reliability, or effectiveness over a period of time or through challenging circumstances. This phrase is suitable when highlighting resilience and long-term value.

Common error

Ensure the tense of "withstand" is consistent with the time frame you're describing. Using the present tense (withstands) implies an ongoing ability to endure, while the past tense ("withstood") indicates that the test has already been successfully completed. For example, it's correct to say that "the cathedral, completed in the 14th century, has "withstood the test of time"", not that it "withstands" it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "withstood the test" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often part of a larger clause, indicating that something has successfully endured or survived a challenging situation or a period. According to Ludwig, this is a common phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

24%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "withstood the test" is a versatile and commonly used expression that signifies durability, reliability, and proven effectiveness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Academia. The phrase conveys that something has successfully endured challenges or time, maintaining its value or quality. While alternatives like "stood the test of time" or "held up over time" exist, "withstood the test" remains a strong and appropriate choice for emphasizing resilience and long-term value in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stood the test of time

Emphasis on temporal endurance; more common and idiomatic.

held up over time

Focus on maintaining integrity or quality through time.

proven its worth

Highlights the demonstrated value or effectiveness.

endured successfully

Formal and emphasizes the successful completion of a period of hardship.

survived the trial

Suggests a specific challenge or ordeal that was overcome.

passed the test

Implies a formal assessment or evaluation that was met.

remained valid

Focuses on the continued accuracy or relevance of something like a theory or result.

maintained its integrity

Highlights the preservation of original quality or condition.

retained its value

Focuses on the sustained worth or importance.

prevailed against adversity

Emphasizes overcoming difficult or unfavorable conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "withstood the test" in a sentence?

Use "withstood the test" to describe something that has proven durable, reliable, or effective over time. For example: "The cathedral, completed in the 14th century, has "withstood the test of time" and the assault of history."

What are some alternatives to "withstood the test"?

You can use alternatives like "stood the test of time", "held up over time", or "proven its worth" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "withstood the test of time" or "stood the test of time"?

Both "withstood the test of time" and "stood the test of time" are grammatically correct and widely used. The latter is slightly more common and idiomatic.

What does it mean for something to have "withstood the test of time"?

It means that something has proven to be durable, reliable, and effective over a long period, maintaining its value or quality despite challenges and changes.