I am held

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I am held" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is being restrained, confined, or emotionally affected by a situation or person. Example: "In this moment of uncertainty, I feel as though I am held by my fears and doubts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

I am held against my will.

The Guardian

I am held firmly by him.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

We're very proud to be the project manager for the United Nations, but I am held by confidentiality agreements.

The New York Times

At any rate, if you see this, and I am held liable, I will consider the expense worth it.

The New York Times

Everything with me depends upon the estimation in which I am held". That's honor, personal honor.

Yale University

I am held to account that returns [from investments] are efficient.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

I am holding a thesaurus.

The New Yorker

I am holding his hand.

Independent

I am holding the nose.

The Guardian - Books

I am holding myself in my hands.

The New Yorker

; 2003 I am holding my Nikon here.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I am held" to convey responsibility, follow it with a prepositional phrase like "to account" or "liable" to specify the nature of the accountability.

Common error

Avoid using "I am held" when you intend to express an active role. If you mean "I hold", ensure you're not inadvertently using the passive form which implies someone or something else is doing the holding.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "I am held" is to express a state of being in the passive voice. This indicates that the subject, "I", is receiving the action rather than performing it. Ludwig shows examples where this is used to denote physical restraint, obligation, or perception.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

15%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Travel

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I am held" is a versatile expression used primarily in the passive voice to convey a state of being acted upon rather than acting. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and finds frequent use in news and media, academia, and sports contexts. It signifies a lack of agency, whether due to physical restraint, emotional or legal obligations, or the perception of others. While generally neutral in register, its specific meaning can shift depending on the context, implying either constraint, responsibility, or a combination thereof. When considering alternatives, it's important to consider both what meaning you are trying to convey and what kind of situation you are describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am restrained

Focuses on the physical or metaphorical restriction of movement or action.

I am confined

Emphasizes being limited to a specific space or situation.

I am obligated

Highlights a sense of duty or compulsion to fulfill a commitment.

I am bound

Indicates being tied or restricted by a contract, promise, or obligation.

I am perceived

Focuses on how one is viewed or regarded by others.

I am considered

Similar to 'perceived', but implies a more formal evaluation or judgment.

I am regarded

Highlights the esteem or respect with which one is viewed.

I am accountable

Emphasizes responsibility for one's actions or decisions.

I am liable

Indicates legal or financial responsibility for something.

I am captive

Emphasizes being imprisoned or unable to escape a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "I am held" in a sentence?

You can use "I am held" to indicate physical restraint (e.g., "I am held against my will"), emotional constraint (e.g., "I am held captive by my fears"), or accountability (e.g., "I am held to a higher standard").

What are some alternatives to "I am held"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include /s/I+am+restrained, /s/I+am+obligated, /s/I+am+accountable, or /s/I+am+considered.

Is it correct to say "I am hold" instead of "I am held"?

No, "I am hold" is grammatically incorrect. The correct passive form is "I am held". "Hold" is the base verb, while "held" is the past participle.

What's the difference between "I am held" and "I hold"?

"I am held" is in the passive voice, meaning someone or something is acting upon you. "I hold" is in the active voice, meaning you are performing the action of holding something.