always holding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "always holding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a continuous action or state of maintaining something, whether physically or metaphorically. Example: "She is always holding onto her dreams, no matter the obstacles she faces."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You are almost always holding it.

The New York Times - Tech

We were always holding hands".

The New York Times

He was always holding back.

The Guardian - Sport

"But he's always holding him.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I was always holding my breath," he writes.

The New York Times - Books

Was she always holding out for a better offer?

The Guardian - Film

I am always holding out hope for things that are really far-fetched".

The New York Times

"I was so scared to hit someone, I was always holding back".

The New York Times - Sports

I'm always holding the reins and he's gagging at the bit.

Independent

We had the car and he was always holding my hand and all that nonsense.

The New York Times

I could survive and have a certain identity even if it wasn't always holding a bat.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "always holding", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to a physical action, an emotional state, or a metaphorical concept. Proper context prevents misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid stringing multiple clauses with "always holding", as it can lead to convoluted and difficult-to-read sentences. Break down complex thoughts into simpler sentences for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "always holding" typically functions as an adverbial modifier, describing how an action is performed continuously or consistently. Ludwig examples show it modifying verbs to indicate a persistent state or action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "always holding" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to describe the continuous nature of an action, state, or possession. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and very common, appearing frequently in news, scientific, and business contexts. It's important to consider the context to avoid ambiguity and ensure clarity. Alternatives such as "constantly maintaining" or "perpetually keeping" can be used to vary your language while retaining a similar meaning. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can effectively use "always holding" to add depth and emphasis to their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

constantly maintaining

Emphasizes continuous and consistent maintenance.

consistently having

Focuses on continuous ownership or experience.

perpetually keeping

Highlights the ongoing and unending nature of keeping something.

regularly sustaining

Highlights the consistent effort of sustaining something.

invariably retaining

Focuses on the consistent act of retaining or not losing something.

ceaselessly guarding

Emphasizes the continuous protection or guarding of something.

persistently gripping

Emphasizes a strong and continuous hold.

everlastingly embracing

Highlights an eternal or unending embrace.

habitually possessing

Highlights a regular habit of possessing something.

routinely clutching

Implies a regular and perhaps nervous holding.

FAQs

How can I use "always holding" in a sentence?

You can use "always holding" to describe a continuous physical action, like "She is always holding her child's hand", or to describe a constant state of mind, like "He is always holding onto hope".

What are some alternatives to "always holding"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "constantly maintaining", "perpetually keeping", or "invariably retaining".

Is it correct to say "always holding on"?

While "always holding" is perfectly acceptable, "always holding on" is also grammatically correct and often used to emphasize the effort or persistence in maintaining something, whether physically or emotionally. For example, one can "always hold on to hope".

What's the difference between "always holding" and "often holding"?

"Always holding" suggests a continuous and consistent action, whereas "often holding" implies that the action is frequent but not necessarily continuous. "Always" indicates a constant state, while "often" indicates a frequent occurrence.