I held that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I held that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a belief, opinion, or position that one maintained or supported in the past. Example: "During the debate, I held that the proposed policy would benefit the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

But I held that thought.

The New York Times - Travel

I held that notion through the first 50 strikeless casts.

The New York Times - Sports

Then I held that little boy a little tighter and kissed his curly head.

The New Yorker

I held that chair with everything my 5 foot 3 inches had.

The New York Times

"I held that famous nuclear briefcase, and I know what it would mean to press that button.

The New Yorker

"I held that remark against my father for a long time," he said.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

I hold that flag".

The Guardian - Film

I hold that record, but I was not just an enforcer.

The New York Times - Magazine

"If he wanted to attack a particular position I hold, that was fine.

The New York Times

How can I hold that against her?

Huffington Post

I hold that moment near and dear.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical objects, be specific about the object and the manner in which you held it (e.g., "I held that photograph carefully").

Common error

Avoid using "I held that" when you intend to express a current belief. Instead, use "I hold that" for present convictions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I held that" functions as a declarative statement, expressing a past belief, opinion, or physical action. It conveys the speaker's previous stance or action regarding a particular subject or object. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I held that" is a versatile phrase used to express a past belief, opinion, or action, as evidenced by numerous examples from diverse sources. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is important to distinguish its past tense form from the present tense "I hold that" to avoid confusion. While generally neutral in register, its specific meaning can be fine-tuned by choosing semantically related alternatives like "I maintained that" or "I asserted that". This phrase, though common, should be used thoughtfully to ensure clarity and precision in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I maintained that

Replaces "held" with "maintained", emphasizing continued support for a belief.

I asserted that

Substitutes "held" with "asserted", suggesting a confident declaration.

I contended that

Uses "contended" instead of "held", indicating an argument or debate.

I believed that

Replaces "held" with "believed", focusing on a personal conviction.

I upheld that

Substitutes "held" with "upheld", suggesting support or defense.

I retained that

Uses "retained" instead of "held", indicating keeping something.

I kept that

Replaces "held" with "kept", indicating a prolonged possession or belief.

I possessed that

Uses "possessed" instead of "held", suggesting ownership or control.

I grasped that

Substitutes "held" with "grasped", implying a physical or mental hold.

I clutched that

Replaces "held" with "clutched", emphasizing a tight grip.

FAQs

What does "I held that" mean?

The phrase "I held that" means that in the past, you maintained a particular belief, opinion, or physical object. It indicates a past position or conviction.

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

You can use alternatives like "I maintained that", "I asserted that", or "I believed that" depending on the context.

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

You can use "I held that" in a sentence to describe a past belief or conviction. For example: "During the debate, I held that the proposed policy would benefit the community."

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

"I hold that" expresses a current belief or opinion, while "I held that" expresses a belief or opinion that you maintained in the past.