be held by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be held by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is maintained, controlled, or supported by someone or something. Example: "The decision will be held by the committee until further notice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Italy's must be held by next spring.

The Economist

A general election must be held by July.

The Economist

Private services will be held by the family.

The New York Times

That job happened to be held by Mr. Cuomo.

The New York Times

A private service will be held by family.

The New York Times

That is a view understood to be held by many of the major technology companies.

Independent

In any of these cases, civilians could be held by military authorities without trial.

The New York Times

A memorial service will be held by the family at a later date.

The New York Times

At least six other French citizens are believed to be held by militants in the region.

The New York Times

His parliament is preparing for a referendum, to be held by June at the latest.

The Economist

The remaining 70 percent of K.K.R. stock will continue to be held by the firm's insiders.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be held by", ensure that the subject performing the action is clearly identified. Clarity is crucial to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "be held by" when an active construction is more direct and clear. Overuse of passive voice can make writing seem convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be held by" functions primarily as a passive construction, indicating that the subject is receiving the action of being held. Ludwig examples show it commonly describes something being possessed, controlled, or conducted by someone or something else.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

19%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be held by" is a common passive construction used to indicate possession, control, or responsibility. As highlighted by Ludwig, it appears frequently in News & Media, Scientific, and Wiki contexts. While grammatically correct, careful consideration should be given to ensure clarity and avoid overuse of passive voice. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and wide usability of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be possessed by

Focuses on ownership or control, similar to "be held by".

be controlled by

Emphasizes authority and management instead of mere possession.

be owned by

Highlights legal ownership.

be managed by

Emphasizes the action of managing or overseeing something.

be maintained by

Stresses the act of keeping something in good condition.

be retained by

Indicates that something is kept or preserved.

be occupied by

Focuses on the physical presence within a space or position.

be kept by

Indicates a simple act of retaining or possessing.

be safeguarded by

Implies protection and security.

be watched over by

Highlights a careful monitoring aspect.

FAQs

How do I use "be held by" in a sentence?

Use "be held by" to indicate possession, control, or responsibility. For example, "The meeting will be held by the committee" or "The prisoner is believed to be held by militants".

What's a good alternative to "be held by"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "be possessed by", "be controlled by", or "be owned by".

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "be held by"?

While "be held by" is in passive voice, sometimes it's necessary to emphasize the object being acted upon rather than the actor. If clarity and directness are priorities, consider rewriting in active voice.

How does the meaning of "be held by" change in different contexts?

The meaning can shift slightly depending on the context. In legal contexts, it may imply legal ownership or responsibility. In physical contexts, it suggests physical control or possession. Consider the nuances when choosing this phrase.