stand
stand — verb
1. to keep your body straight with your weight on your feet, not sitting or lying d
to keep your body straight with your weight on your feet, not sitting or lying down; or to place something so that it stays up on its bottom end
Adaeze stood at the window, watching the rain fall on the empty street below.
stand + at [location] for physical position
The doctor asked Hyun to stand on the scale so she could check his weight.
Shirin stood her umbrella against the wall near the front door.
An old wooden clock stands in the hallway, ticking loudly every hour.
The children stood in a circle around the teacher, waiting for story time.
- rise
more formal; specifically moving from sitting or lying to standing
- get up
informal; moving from a rest position to standing
- be on one's feet
describes the state of standing, not the action
文法句型
stand + adverb/preposition (intransitive)
stand + object + adverb/preposition (transitive)
用法筆記
When used transitively (stand + object), the object is placed upright on its base: 'She stood the book on the shelf.' This differs from 'set' or 'put,' which do not imply an upright position.
常見錯誤
2. the state you are in or the situation you find yourself in — someone stands read
the state you are in or the situation you find yourself in — someone stands ready to act, an accused person stands before a judge, or a previous offer continues to be available
The old theatre has stood empty for nearly ten years since it closed.
stand + adjective for current condition
As matters stand right now, we do not have enough money to buy the house.
fixed expression: as matters stand / as it stands
Élise said her offer to give us a ride to the airport still stands.
The company stands to lose a great deal of money if the deal fails.
Caio stands accused of taking money from the office fund without permission.
- change
to move out of the current state
文法句型
stand + adjective
stand to + infinitive
as things stand
用法筆記
Commonly paired with adjectives describing the current condition (stand empty, stand ready, stand firm, stand accused). The fixed expressions 'as things stand' and 'as it stands' mean 'in the current situation.'
常見錯誤
3. to appear before a court of law so that a judge or jury can decide whether you a
to appear before a court of law so that a judge or jury can decide whether you are guilty of a crime
The former bank manager will stand trial for fraud next month.
stand trial + for + crime
Nadia is expected to stand trial at the district court in September.
The suspect stood trial for stealing rare paintings from the city museum.
Defne stood trial for her part in the company's financial scandal last year.
- be tried
passive construction with same meaning
- face trial
slightly more dramatic tone
文法句型
stand trial + for + crime
stand trial + at + court
用法筆記
Always used in the fixed phrase 'stand trial' followed by 'for' + the crime. The subject is the person accused of the crime. Not used for civil lawsuits.
常見錯誤
4. to stay in a given location; or to set something down at a chosen spot
to stay in a given location; or to set something down at a chosen spot
A beautiful old stone church stands at the top of the hill near the river.
stand + at [location] for permanent position
The full glass of water stood on the table all afternoon.
Christopher stood the heavy mirror against the wall while he found the right hook.
The new hospital stands on the land where the old car factory used to be.
- be located
more formal; emphasizes position on a map or site
- sit
informal; often used for buildings or objects resting somewhere
- rest
emphasizes the object is supported by something
文法句型
stand + adverb/preposition (intransitive)
stand + object + adverb/preposition (transitive)
用法筆記
Unlike sense 1 (VERTICAL), this sense focuses on location rather than upright posture. The subject can be a building, a piece of furniture, or any object in a particular spot, whether upright or not.
常見錯誤
❌ 'The vase stood on the floor.' (used for a vase is fine) — This sense works for objects in a location. Be careful not to confuse with sense 1: sense 1 (VERTICAL) is about being on your feet, while sense 4 (PLACE) is about location.
5. if a vehicle stands somewhere, it stays in that place for a period of time, espe
if a vehicle stands somewhere, it stays in that place for a period of time, especially while waiting for passengers or goods
The train stood at the platform for twenty minutes before the doors opened.
vehicle + stand + at [location] for waiting period
Several black taxis stood outside the hotel, waiting for passengers to arrive.
The delivery truck stood in the loading bay while the workers unloaded the boxes.
A long line of cars stood at the traffic light, waiting for the signal to change.
- move
to be in motion, opposite of standing still
文法句型
vehicle + stand + at/in/outside [location]
用法筆記
Common in British English. In American English, 'parked' or 'waiting' is more often used for non-moving vehicles.
常見錯誤
6. shown on traffic signs to indicate that stopping or parking is forbidden at that
shown on traffic signs to indicate that stopping or parking is forbidden at that location, even briefly
The red sign at the corner says 'No standing' in large white letters.
sign reading: No standing
The driver received a ticket for standing in a zone clearly marked 'No standing.'
A sign reading 'No standing anytime' is posted along the front of the building.
Tamar was surprised to see a 'No standing' sign near the shopping centre.
- parking allowed
opposite traffic regulation
文法句型
No standing (on signs)
用法筆記
This meaning only appears on traffic signs and in driving regulations. 'No standing' is stricter than 'no parking' — it means a vehicle cannot stop at all, even briefly, except in an emergency.
常見錯誤
7. to be able to tolerate or bear an unpleasant person, thing, or situation, especi
to be able to tolerate or bear an unpleasant person, thing, or situation, especially when you dislike it strongly and would prefer to avoid it
Sirin cannot stand the smell of cigarette smoke inside her own flat.
stand + noun phrase for disliked thing
The old wooden bridge could not stand the force of the rushing floodwater.
stand + noun phrase: physical tolerance
How do you stand working in such a noisy open-plan office every day?
Layla could hardly stand the toothache any longer and called the dentist.
- enjoy
opposite in the sense of willingly experiencing something
文法句型
cannot stand + noun phrase
cannot stand + -ing verb
can/could stand + noun phrase
用法筆記
Most common in negative constructions with cannot/can't or could not/couldn't. In affirmative sentences, usually paired with can or could to express the limit of tolerance.
常見錯誤
8. to put yourself forward as someone voters can choose for a public role in an ele
to put yourself forward as someone voters can choose for a public role in an election
Aarav decided to stand for the local council after years of volunteering in the community.
stand for [position/office]
More women are standing in this year's local election than ever before.
stand in [election]
Christopher stood as an independent candidate in the 2023 city council election.
The mayor announced that she would not stand for re-election due to her family's needs.
文法句型
stand for [position/office]
stand in [election/constituency]
stand as [candidate type]
用法筆記
Primarily used in British English. In American English, run for is much more common. The noun candidate is the person, while stand describes the action of being available for election.
常見錯誤
9. to have a possibility of achieving or succeeding at something, often used when t
to have a possibility of achieving or succeeding at something, often used when talking about whether success is likely or unlikely
Without proper training, the team does not stand a chance of winning the championship.
stand a chance of [doing] — negative
Reuben stands a good chance of being accepted into the engineering programme.
stand a good chance of [doing] — positive
Do you think our proposal stands a fair chance of board approval?
A small business without enough funding does not stand a chance against large corporations.
文法句型
stand a chance of [doing something]
stand a good/fair/slim chance
用法筆記
Almost always used in the fixed expression 'stand a chance' with an adjective (good, fair, slim, no) and usually followed by 'of + -ing' or 'of + noun'. Most common in negative statements.
常見錯誤
10. to reach a specific measurement when you say how tall someone or something is
to reach a specific measurement when you say how tall someone or something is
The new office building stands 120 metres tall in the centre of the city.
stand + measurement + tall
Kenji's younger brother now stands almost as tall as their father.
The ancient oak tree in the village square stands over thirty metres high.
At just eleven years old, Mira already stands five feet tall.
文法句型
stand + [number] + [unit] + tall
stand + [number] + [unit] + in height
stand + [adjective describing height]
用法筆記
Functions as a linking verb (copula) like 'be' but specifically for height. The pattern is 'stand + measurement + tall/high.' For people, use 'tall'; for buildings and trees, both 'tall' and 'high' are possible.
常見錯誤
11. to pay for something, usually a drink or a meal, as a treat or gift for someone
to pay for something, usually a drink or a meal, as a treat or gift for someone
After winning the competition, Hassan stood everyone a round of drinks at the bar.
stand + someone + a drink
Selim said he would stand me dinner if I helped him move house.
Let me stand you a coffee — you look like you need a break.
The company stood all the employees lunch to celebrate the successful product launch.
文法句型
stand + someone + a drink/meal
stand + someone + something
用法筆記
Informal and chiefly British. The pattern takes two objects: the person receiving (indirect object) and the thing bought (direct object). No preposition is needed between the two objects.
常見錯誤
12. to hold a specific view about an issue, especially when this view is publicly kn
to hold a specific view about an issue, especially when this view is publicly known or stated
Where does your political party stand on the issue of renewable energy?
stand on [issue] — asking about position
Élise stands firmly against the use of single-use plastic bags in grocery stores.
The senator made it very clear where he stands on tax reform during the debate.
Most teachers in the school stand with the parents on the question of school uniforms.
文法句型
stand on [issue/matter]
stand with/against [someone/something]
stand + adverb (firmly, strongly)
用法筆記
Typically used with an adverb (firmly, strongly, clearly) or a prepositional phrase (on, with, against, for). The question 'Where do you stand on...?' is a fixed expression for asking someone's opinion.
常見錯誤
13. in the card game blackjack, to choose to keep the cards you already hold and not
in the card game blackjack, to choose to keep the cards you already hold and not ask the dealer for any more
Vinícius looked at his hand and decided to stand, keeping his total at seventeen.
The dealer asked if Xiu wanted another card, but she chose to stand with nineteen.
stand with [point total] — states score at decision point
A common blackjack tip is to stand when your hand shows seventeen or higher.
Erik tapped the table to signal that he was standing and refused the next card.
If Maeve had chosen to hit instead of standing, she would have lost that round.
文法句型
stand (in blackjack)
stand on [number]
用法筆記
Only used in the context of blackjack (also called 21). Players signal 'stand' by waving a hand over their cards or tapping the table. The opposite action is 'hit' (asking for another card).
常見錯誤
stand — noun
1. a set of raised rows of seats built inside a sports ground or stadium, where spe
a set of raised rows of seats built inside a sports ground or stadium, where spectators sit or stand to watch a game, race, or other event.
The crowd cheered loudly from the stands as Hoa scored the winning goal.
collocation: from the stands
Fans in the north stand sang songs throughout the entire football match.
collocation: in the [direction] stand
The old wooden stand was replaced with a modern concrete structure last year.
The Ortega family watched the race from the east stand at the stadium.
Rain forced spectators under the roof of the covered stand until the game resumed.
- bleachers
US term for uncovered, stepped rows of seats, usually cheaper; 'stands' may have a roof and is more common in UK English
- grandstand
the main, largest seating area in a stadium, often with a roof and the best views
文法句型
the stands
in the stands
from the stands
用法筆記
Often used in the plural form 'the stands' to refer to the whole seating area collectively. The singular form (e.g., 'north stand', 'east stand') names a specific section.
常見錯誤
2. the group of people watching a game or event from the raised seating area of a s
the group of people watching a game or event from the raised seating area of a sports ground, considered as one body.
The whole stand rose when the home team scored in the final minute.
collective noun: the stand + singular verb
A loud groan went through the visiting stand after the striker missed an open goal.
The away stand remained silent for most of the second half of the match.
The announcer thanked the stand for its enthusiastic support throughout the game.
- crowd
broader term for any gathering of people; does not specifically refer to those in the stands
- spectators
direct synonym but is plural and not tied to a seated section
文法句型
the + stand + singular verb
用法筆記
Used as a collective noun for the spectators in a particular section. The verb is usually singular: 'the stand was quiet.' Distinguish from sense 1 (SPORT), which refers to the physical structure rather than the people in it.
常見錯誤
3. a person's clearly stated position or view about a particular issue, especially
a person's clearly stated position or view about a particular issue, especially one they express in public and are willing to defend.
The mayor made her stand on public transport clear during the town hall meeting.
verb + stand on + topic
Cole decided to take a firm stand against the proposed cuts to the library budget.
take a firm stand against + noun
Isabela's stand on renewable energy earned her respect from voters on both sides.
Voters want to know each candidate's stand on health care before the election.
The union took a strong stand for better working conditions during contract talks.
文法句型
take/ make a stand (on/against/for something)
someone's stand on something
用法筆記
Often used with the verbs 'take' or 'make' to express that someone actively defends their view. The preposition 'on' introduces the topic; 'against' or 'for' signals the direction of the position.
常見錯誤
4. the raised area in a courtroom where a witness sits or stands to give evidence u
the raised area in a courtroom where a witness sits or stands to give evidence under oath during a trial.
The witness walked slowly to the stand and placed her hand on the Bible.
collocation: to the stand
The judge asked the defendant if he wished to take the stand in his own defence.
fixed phrase: take the stand
After three hours of questioning, the lawyer finally allowed the witness to leave the stand.
The jury watched closely as the forensic expert took the stand to explain the DNA results.
- witness box
UK term for the same thing; 'witness stand' is more common in US English
文法句型
take the stand
the witness stand
on the stand
step down from the stand
用法筆記
Almost always used with the definite article: 'the stand.' The fixed expression 'take the stand' means to begin giving testimony in court.
常見錯誤
5. a small booth or kiosk, often open at the front, where goods are sold or informa
a small booth or kiosk, often open at the front, where goods are sold or information is provided, typically set up at a market, fair, exhibition, or in a public building.
Nala bought a bag of fresh apples from a fruit stand at the weekly farmers' market.
collocation: fruit stand
The charity set up an information stand in the shopping centre to recruit volunteers.
collocation: information stand
A hot dog stand outside the train station sells sausages and drinks every weekday.
Felipe stopped at a souvenir stand to buy postcards of the old city during his trip.
文法句型
[type of goods] + stand
stand + at/in/outside [location]
用法筆記
A 'stand' for selling is smaller and less permanent than a 'shop' or 'store.' It is often mobile or temporary, and may consist of just a table or a small structure.
常見錯誤
6. a piece of furniture or a holder designed to keep objects upright or within easy
a piece of furniture or a holder designed to keep objects upright or within easy reach, such as a coat stand, music stand, or umbrella stand.
Zayd hung his coat on the wooden stand by the front door before entering the house.
collocation: coat stand
The music stand held her sheet music at the perfect height during the piano recital.
collocation: music stand
Iris placed the wet umbrella in the stand to let it drip dry after the storm passed.
A wooden stand in the corner of the living room supports a large vase of fresh flowers.
文法句型
[noun] + stand
stand for + [object]
用法筆記
The specific type of object is usually indicated by a preceding noun (coat stand, music stand, umbrella stand, lamp stand). Without a modifier, the meaning can be unclear — context is essential.
常見錯誤
7. a firm public decision to resist or oppose something, often made to defend a pri
a firm public decision to resist or oppose something, often made to defend a principle, belief, or person that is under threat.
Lucía took a firm stand against the new policy cutting school music programs.
took a stand against [something]
The city council made a stand on affordable housing after months of debate.
made a stand on [issue]
Christopher's decision to speak up was the strongest stand anyone had taken at the meeting.
Many parents praised Rachid for his stand against unfair grading practices at the school.
The last stand of the soldiers at the bridge became a famous story of courage.
- resistance
broader, less public; can be passive or active
- opposition
more neutral; does not necessarily imply a public declaration
- defiance
stronger emotional tone; suggests open disobedience
- surrender
giving up resistance entirely
- submission
accepting the opposing position without fight
文法句型
take/make a stand + against/on
a stand + against/on
用法筆記
Often paired with take or make. A stand can be against something (opposing it) or on something (stating a position). Last stand refers to a final, often desperate, act of resistance.
常見錯誤
8. a series of performances given by a musician, singer, or theatre group at the sa
a series of performances given by a musician, singer, or theatre group at the same place over a period of time.
Élise had a two-week stand at the Edinburgh theatre that sold out every night.
had a [time-period] stand at [venue]
The band extended their stand in Chicago by three nights due to popular demand.
extended their stand in [city]
Kenji's stand at the jazz club was his first major performance outside Japan.
The theatre company finished a successful stand in Boston and moved on to New York.
Evelyn's four-night stand at the concert hall included songs from her new album.
- run
more common in theatre; a run can be longer or open-ended
- engagement
more formal; widely used in both music and theatre
- residency
a longer, often exclusive, commitment to one venue
文法句型
a stand + at [venue]
[number]-night/stand
用法筆記
Common in the performing arts industry. Often modified by a number + night/week (e.g., a three-night stand) or a location (a stand in Las Vegas). Not used for a single performance.
常見錯誤
9. trees, shrubs, or other plants that grow close together in a single area, often
trees, shrubs, or other plants that grow close together in a single area, often sharing the same species or age.
Ishaan walked through a dense stand of pine trees near the lake.
stand of [tree type]
A small stand of oak trees provided shade for the picnic area.
The forest ranger marked the old stand of birch for conservation.
Wildflowers grew thickly beneath the tall stand of maples behind the cabin.
文法句型
a stand + of [tree type]
a stand of + trees/woods
用法筆記
Technical term in forestry and ecology. Not used for individual trees. The trees in a stand typically share similar characteristics such as age, size, or species.