a dream held

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dream held" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a dream or aspiration that someone maintains or cherishes over time. Example: "Despite the challenges, she continued to pursue a dream held close to her heart."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Having it all" isn't a dream held only by mothers.

The New York Times

A dream held by papyrologists and amateur Herculaneum enthusiasts alike is that the Bourbon tunnellers did not find the main library, that they found only an antechamber containing Philodemus' works.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Outside, a group of dozens of undocumented students with the advocacy group United We Dream held a rally on the steps of the Capitol.

Huffington Post

De Souza, who led the WNBA last season with 18 double-doubles, had her third of the season for Atlanta (4-3) as the Dream held off a late rally by the Sparks (2-3).

Los Angeles Times

In 2010, Azin Valy, a co-founder of I-Beam Design, an architecture firm in Manhattan, was doing research for an urban design show called "FORECLOSED: Rehousing the American Dream" held at the Museum of Modern Art in 2012.

The New York Times

There is also a personal dream holding Ramirez from turning pro: He wants to compete in the 2012 Olympics, where he is a favorite to win gold.

Huffington Post

The Dream hold a 1-0 series lead, with Game 2 on Sunday in Atlanta.

The New York Times - Sports

Another problem is the uneven way that standards are applied.In this section Shine a light The impossible dream Holding the bag?

The Economist

They may, in effect, become lenders of last resort, but at prices that hardly reflect the financial distress of their clients—or the risks to themselves.In this section Shine a light The impossible dream Holding the bag?

The Economist

It stumbled in 1938, but then rebounded strongly, helped by the outbreak of the second world war.In this section Shine a light The impossible dream Holding the bag?

The Economist

While prices have been rising in real terms in many rich countries over the past decade, they have fallen in poorer places, such as Russia.In this section Shine a light The impossible dream Holding the bag?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a dream held", ensure that the context clearly indicates who or what is holding the dream and why it is significant. This adds depth and resonance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid vague or unclear phrasing that leaves the reader wondering who is actually holding the dream. Always specify the individual, group, or entity for clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dream held" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object, describing an aspiration or ambition that is cherished and maintained. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a dream held" is a grammatically sound phrase used to depict a cherished aspiration maintained over time. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its usage is relatively rare, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. Related phrases, such as "a cherished aspiration" and "a long-held ambition", offer nuanced alternatives. Effective use requires clearly attributing the holder of the dream for enhanced clarity and impact. By avoiding vagueness and ensuring proper context, writers can harness the phrase's inspirational potential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cherished aspiration

Replaces "dream" with a more formal synonym, "aspiration", and emphasizes its preciousness.

a long-held ambition

Substitutes "dream" with "ambition", focusing on a strong desire for achievement maintained over time.

a treasured goal

Replaces "dream" with "goal", highlighting the objective, and emphasizes its value with "treasured".

a sustained hope

Focuses on the element of hope inherent in a dream, emphasizing its continuation over time.

an enduring vision

Replaces "dream" with "vision", stressing the mental image of the future, and highlights its lasting quality.

a maintained ideal

Emphasizes the upholding of a perfect standard or principle.

a nurtured aspiration

Highlights the caring and development of the dream.

a prevailing desire

Focuses on the dominance and persistence of the wish.

a kept fantasy

Highlights the imaginative aspect of the dream, emphasizing that it is maintained.

a perpetually pursued goal

Stresses the ongoing effort to achieve the dream.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a dream held" in a sentence?

Use "a dream held" to describe a goal or aspiration that someone cherishes and maintains over time. For example, "Despite setbacks, she pursued "a dream held" since childhood".

What phrases can I use instead of "a dream held"?

Alternatives include "a cherished aspiration", "a long-held ambition", or "a treasured goal", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "a dream held" and "a cherished dream"?

"A dream held" emphasizes the act of maintaining the dream over time, while "a cherished dream" emphasizes the emotional value and preciousness of the dream. Both phrases are correct but convey slightly different meanings.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a dream held by someone"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "a dream held by someone" specifies who is cherishing the dream, providing clarity and context to the statement.