Detergent compositions that contain an enzyme, alkaline source, and phosphonate or amine phosphonate salt are described here. A use solution of the detergent compositions containing disclosed phosphonates can retain its enzyme activity for an extended period of time. Specifically, one specific type of phosphonates and another specific type of amine phosphonate salts were discovered to stabilize enzymes in detergent compositions. Solid detergent compositions that contain disclosed phosphonate or amine phosphonate salts are more effective to remove soils and can save production and use costs.