all held up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "all held up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is delayed or obstructed, often in the context of plans or schedules. Example: "The meeting was all held up due to technical difficulties, and we had to reschedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Lindsay Davenport, Venus Williams and Monica Seles all held up to advance to the Round of 16.

The New York Times - Sports

Other commentators have weighed in, with absent fathers and family breakdown, poor discipline in schools, the influence of gangs and rap music all held up as possible causes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mostly, they all held up.

Forbes

So far it has all held up.

The Guardian - Opinion

They all held up their Vs, as the Chinese do.

The Guardian - Travel

A cloud contains two or three tons of water, all held up by nature's forces.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

This is a model for the mirror that we should all hold up for self-reflection".

The New York Times

Perhaps we could all hold up placards that read "Je suis Brian Williams--I am Brian Williams".

Huffington Post

Now don't all hold up your diamond Lib Dem placards at the same time, otherwise you won't be able.

The Guardian

But these claims to dictatorship cannot all hold up, the argument goes.

SEP

They all hold up.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. "All held up" can imply a delay, physical support, or being presented as an example. Choose the phrasing that best fits your intended meaning to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "all held up" when you mean something was simply 'delayed'. Ensure that multiple elements are actually experiencing the same holding pattern or being supported together, rather than just a singular item facing a delay.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all held up" functions as a phrasal verb construction. It typically indicates a state of being delayed, supported, or presented as an example. Ludwig AI identifies these uses across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "all held up" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrasal verb that conveys a sense of delay, support, or presentation, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's versatile enough for both formal and informal contexts, with its usage predominantly found in news and media sources. When using the phrase, ensure that the context aligns with its intended meaning—whether to express that items are delayed or actively being supported. Remember to consider alternatives like "everything was delayed" or "everything was supported" if a slightly different nuance is desired. Ludwig’s examples and analysis provide a comprehensive understanding of this phrase's multifaceted usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

everything was delayed

Replaces "held up" with a direct synonym for delay, emphasizing that everything experienced a delay.

everything was supported

Focuses on the aspect of being supported or maintained, suitable when the context involves structural integrity or backing.

everything was sustained

Highlights the endurance and maintenance of something over time.

all was upheld

Emphasizes the preservation of a standard or principle.

everything stagnated

Indicates a lack of progress or movement, emphasizing the negative aspect of being "held up".

the whole thing was postponed

Specifically indicates a delay in an event or activity.

the entire matter was suspended

Highlights a temporary cessation or interruption.

the whole situation was stalled

Emphasizes a standstill or blockage in progress.

all things were obstructed

Focuses on the hindrance or blockage preventing forward movement.

the complete process was hindered

Highlights the impeding or slowing down of a process.

FAQs

What does "all held up" mean?

The phrase "all held up" can mean that everything is delayed or obstructed. It can also imply that something is being supported or presented for admiration. The specific meaning depends on the context.

How can I use "all held up" in a sentence?

You can use "all held up" to describe a situation where multiple items or processes are experiencing a delay: "The shipments were "all held up" at the border due to increased security measures."

What are some alternatives to "all held up"?

Some alternatives include "everything was delayed", "everything was supported", or "everything stagnated", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "all held up" grammatically correct?

Yes, "all held up" is grammatically correct. It functions as a phrasal verb construction and is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.