Hold on a sec

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Hold on a sec" is correct and usable in written English, particularly in informal contexts.
You can use it when you need someone to wait briefly or pause a conversation for a moment. Example: "Hold on a sec, I need to grab my notes before we continue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

But hold on a sec.

Independent

Well, wait, hold on a sec.

TechCrunch

When you're the concierge of your own apartment, it happens, but that doesn't make it any more acceptable than if you're working at the Four Seasons, which I would like to preserve my option of doing while I contemplate writing my next -- Hold on a sec, okay?

Huffington Post

"Hold on a sec," he says.

The New York Times - Magazine

Hold on a sec, did he just say stability?

TechCrunch

Hold on a sec on while I catch my breath.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

But hold on a minute.

BBC

Hey man, can you hold on for a sec?

Vice

When I was making it the track-list was originally loads of dance music but I was like, "Hold on for a sec.

Vice

MR. LEHRER -- Hold on one sec here, though.

The New York Times

While the latency to fall was 52±7 sec for the WT, the mutants were able to hold on for 114±10 sec (P<4×10−5).

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Hold on a sec" in informal conversations or writing where a casual tone is appropriate. It's a quick way to ask someone to pause.

Common error

Avoid using "Hold on a sec" in professional emails or formal presentations. Opt for phrases like "Please wait a moment" or "Allow me a second" to maintain a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Hold on a sec" functions primarily as an interjection or an imperative request. According to Ludwig, the phrase is perfectly acceptable in English. It's used to briefly interrupt or pause a conversation or activity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Hold on a sec" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to politely request a brief pause. Ludwig confirms its acceptability in English, particularly in informal contexts. While versatile, it's best reserved for casual settings, with more formal alternatives like "Please wait a moment" being preferable in professional environments. Its frequent appearance in sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its widespread use in everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Hang on a moment

Uses "hang on" instead of "hold on".

Wait a moment

More formal than "Hold on a sec".

Just a minute

Similar in meaning, but slightly more polite.

Give me a second

Focuses on the speaker needing time.

Bear with me

Asks for patience during a task.

Please wait

Direct request for someone to wait.

Hold the line

Typically used when speaking on the phone.

Kindly wait

A more formal and polite request to wait.

One moment, please

Very polite and formal.

Let me see

Indicates a need to check something.

FAQs

What does "Hold on a sec" mean?

It's an informal way of asking someone to wait for a short period.

How can I use "Hold on a sec" in a sentence?

You might say, "Hold on a sec, I need to grab my keys before we leave."

What are some alternatives to "Hold on a sec"?

You can use alternatives like "wait a moment", "just a minute", or "give me a second" depending on the context.

Is "Hold on a sec" appropriate for professional communication?

It is generally considered too informal for professional settings. Use more formal phrases like "Please wait a moment" or "Allow me a second" instead.