Get held

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Get held" is not commonly used in standard written English and may be considered awkward or unclear.
It could be used in contexts where someone is being detained or restrained, but it is not a standard expression. Example: "If you break the law, you might get held by the authorities."

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Many football players get held during games.

Independent

I'm worried if I'll get held back".

The New York Times

When do these guys get held to the same high standards as referees?

The New York Times - Sports

"We let people define who we are, we get held back".

The New York Times - Magazine

I used to get held by the police for going to a poetry reading.

The New York Times

The Tests 'I'm Worried If I'll Get Held Back' In Arizona, it is AIMS.

The New York Times

"They call in sick, things get broken, customers get held hostage.

The New York Times

This means that small proposals get held up indefinitely, as agencies face a backlog of submissions.

The New York Times

It can be jolly inconvenient for the three people who might get held up behind you.

The Guardian - Books

They never need to do anything twice, they never get held up on lines or online.

The New York Times

The regulatory efforts, though modest at least initially, are politically incendiary, and they could very well get held up.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Get held", consider the context and whether a more specific term like "detained", "delayed", or "obstructed" would provide greater clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "Get held" in formal writing where precision is key. Opt for alternatives that clearly convey the intended meaning, such as "detained" for legal contexts or "delayed" for scheduling issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Get held" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject is receiving an action. It suggests that someone or something is being detained, delayed, or restrained. As Ludwig AI indicates, the term could be used when someone is being detained or restrained, and it isn't a standard expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Get held" is a versatile but somewhat informal expression used to describe situations involving detention, delays, or restraint. Ludwig AI identifies it as acceptable but suggests more precise alternatives may be preferred in formal contexts. This phrase appears frequently in news and media, as well as general web content. While not grammatically incorrect, writers should consider whether a more specific term like "detained", "delayed", or "obstructed" would improve clarity and formality. When writing, avoid overuse in formal settings and choose vocabulary that aligns with your purpose and register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Be detained

This alternative focuses specifically on the act of being kept in custody by authorities.

Be arrested

This suggests a more formal process of being taken into legal custody.

Be delayed

This alternative implies a temporary postponement or obstruction.

Be obstructed

This term conveys the sense of being blocked or impeded in progress.

Be kept back

Focuses on preventing someone or something from advancing or progressing.

Be made accountable

This implies being responsible for one's actions and facing consequences.

Be checked

This suggests being stopped or restrained from doing something.

Be restrained

This focuses on being physically or legally restricted.

Be hampered

This conveys a sense of being hindered or slowed down.

Be impeded

This suggests being obstructed in movement or progress.

FAQs

What does "Get held" mean?

"Get held" can refer to being physically restrained, detained by authorities, or experiencing delays. The specific meaning depends on the context in which it is used.

What can I say instead of "Get held"?

You can use alternatives like "be detained", "be delayed", or "be restrained" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "Get held" in formal writing?

While not grammatically incorrect, "Get held" may be considered informal in some contexts. More precise alternatives such as "detained" or "delayed" are often preferred in formal writing.

Can "Get held" have different meanings?

Yes, "Get held" can refer to physical restraint, legal detention, or delays. Understanding the context is crucial to interpreting its intended meaning accurately.