I have held

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I have held" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is commonly used to indicate fixed possession or control over something, or to refer to an action that has been done in the past (as in the past perfect tense). For example: "I have held the record for fastest mile since I was 12 years old."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

I have held Babe Ruth's bat.

The New York Times - Sports

I have held ideas all my life.

University of California, Berkeley

I have held a Christmas lunch, I have held a speech and I feel the warmth and the support of everybody in Carrington.

Independent

"I have held every piece of her organs in my own hands," he said.

The New York Times

One disappointment remains: I have held on to anger and its impulsive arousal.

The New York Times

And both my wife and I have held challenging full-time jobs through most of it.

The New York Times

I have held babies in orphanages the Philippines and played with HIV-positive children in Vietnam.

The Economist

I do not think I have held a book that is 135 years old.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

I have held down two jobs and have gone to graduate school.

Forbes

Should I have held out for that local authority position?

The Guardian

I have held a permit to carry a concealed handgun for the past 25 years.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I have held" to describe a belief or opinion, ensure the context clearly indicates the duration and strength of that belief.

Common error

Avoid repetitive use of "I have held" in formal documents. Instead, vary your phrasing to maintain reader engagement; consider stronger verbs or rephrasing for conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I have held" functions as a verb phrase in the present perfect tense. It indicates a completed action that has relevance in the present, such as maintaining a position, belief, or possession over a period. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I have held" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, indicating possession, maintenance, or experience. Its versatile nature allows it to function in different registers, though predominantly found in neutral contexts like news and media. When writing, be mindful of the subtle nuances in meaning it conveys. Alternative phrases such as "I have possessed" or "I have maintained" can provide greater clarity and engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I have possessed

Focuses on the state of owning or having something, rather than the action of holding.

I have maintained

Emphasizes the continuation of holding something over a period of time.

I have kept

Highlights the act of retaining something, often with the implication of safekeeping.

I have retained

Suggests holding onto something despite potential loss or relinquishment.

I have occupied

Refers to holding a position or role, often in a professional context.

I have exercised

Implies using or wielding power, authority, or control.

I have shouldered

Suggests bearing a burden or responsibility.

I have carried

Emphasizes transporting or enduring something, either physically or metaphorically.

I have accommodated

Indicates making space for something physically or conceptually.

I have put up with

Implies tolerating something challenging.

FAQs

How to use "I have held" in a sentence?

You can use "I have held" to express that you have possessed something, maintained a position, or held an opinion for a certain period. For example, "I have held this position for five years", or "I have held onto this belief since childhood".

What can I say instead of "I have held"?

Alternatives to "I have held" include "I have possessed", "I have maintained", or "I have kept" depending on the intended meaning and context.

Which is correct, "I have held" or "I had held"?

"I have held" is present perfect, indicating an action that started in the past and continues to the present or has relevance to the present. "I had held" is past perfect, indicating an action completed before another point in the past. The choice depends on the context and the timeline you want to convey.

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

"I have held" describes a completed action with a continuing result or relevance, while "I am holding" describes an action in progress. For instance, "I have held this belief for years" means you started believing it in the past and still do. "I am holding this package" means you are currently in the act of holding it.