a holder of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a holder of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone who possesses or has ownership of something, such as a title, position, or document. Example: "She is a holder of a prestigious award for her contributions to science."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I was a holder of secret knowledge.

The Guardian - Opinion

As a holder of the Mdeal, Smith is receiving two dollars a month extra pay.

The New Yorker

He was also a holder of the Golden Headed Cane in 2000.

The New York Times

Exemptions for Unsold Shares Q I am a holder of unsold shares in a co-op.

The New York Times

As a holder of unsold shares, her actions do not require board approval.

The New York Times

I've never heard of a holder of the OBE openly criticising the monarchy.

The Guardian - Books

That means a holder of a 100tn banknote will get 40 cents.

The Guardian

(In the case of a co-op, a sponsor would be a holder of unsold shares).

The New York Times

About one third of the shares are owned by a "holder of unsold shares" (an investor, not the original sponsor).

The New York Times

As a holder of the currency that means humiliation abroad – ie pounds sterling – I needed somewhere cheap to stay.

Independent

Rarely, in fact, can a holder of the Ashes have started at such long odds to retain them.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a holder of" to clearly indicate possession, ownership, or responsibility in formal and legal contexts. For example, "a holder of a patent" signifies legal ownership of an invention.

Common error

Avoid using "a holder of" in overly casual or informal situations where simpler terms like "has" or "owns" would be more appropriate. Overuse in informal contexts can sound stilted or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a holder of" functions primarily as a noun phrase modifier, specifying the type of person or entity that possesses or controls something. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a holder of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote someone who possesses or controls something. Ludwig AI indicates that it appears most often in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. When writing, it's best to reserve this phrase for neutral to formal contexts where precision is key, like legal or business documentation. While versatile, be mindful of avoiding overly casual situations where simpler terms might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

possessor of

Focuses more on the act of possessing something tangible or intangible.

owner of

Emphasizes legal ownership or control.

bearer of

Highlights the act of carrying or presenting something, often with authority.

recipient of

Focuses on receiving something, such as an award or benefit.

licensee of

Specifically denotes someone who has been granted a license.

grantee of

Implies that a right or privilege has been conferred upon someone.

custodian of

Suggests responsibility for protecting or maintaining something.

trustee of

Implies holding something in trust for another party.

controller of

Highlights the power or ability to manage or direct something.

manager of

Denotes someone responsible for overseeing something.

FAQs

How can I use "a holder of" in a sentence?

You can use "a holder of" to describe someone who possesses something, such as "She is "a holder of a patent"" or "He is "a holder of unsold shares"".

What are some alternatives to "a holder of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "possessor of", "owner of", or "recipient of".

Is it correct to say "holder of" instead of "a holder of"?

While "holder of" might be grammatically correct in some specific constructions (e.g., in a title), "a holder of" is generally preferred when referring to an individual person or entity holding something.

What's the difference between "a holder of" and "an owner of"?

"A holder of" is a more general term that can refer to someone who possesses something, while "an owner of" specifically implies legal ownership. You might be "a holder of a ticket", but you are "an owner of a car".