behold

USAGE SUMMARY

Sentence The word "behold" is indeed correct and usable in written English.
It is used to draw attention to something or create a sense of awe. For example, "Behold, the beauty of the Grand Canyon!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The difficulty is that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and you cannot behold a politician's face without a veil of extraneous prejudice getting in the way.

The Economist

By the end of a trip, my own stench really is something to behold.

The Guardian

You can ladle all the meaning on to it you like – and the sight and sound of middle England collectively losing its marbles for a Somali-born, west London-raised man of the people was something to behold – but at its core this was simply an imperious sporting feat.

The Guardian - Sport

Behold this totally unstaged photo of his fridge.

The Guardian - Opinion

Like those marks who pick Gonzaga to go to the Final Four every year because they're "due", we never break the cycle because we can never acknowledge the fault is not in our stars but in ourselves – our passions, our prejudices, our inability to behold the entire thing as the crapshoot it is.

The Guardian - Sport

For, at times, it was lovely to behold and ought also to scare the bejesus out of every professional politician in Scotland.

The Guardian - Opinion

Writing in his journal about the strange celestial events of 13 November 1833, Prophet Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormon Church, described how he was awakened at 4am by a fellow clergyman "calling me to arise and behold the signs in the heavens".

The Guardian - Arts

The ferocity, not least of language emanating from stands and terraces, is quite something to behold.

The Guardian - Sport

Lo and behold, inside the bags that she has filled for me are those exact wardrobe failings – a sharp black blazer, an array of simple white shirts and a mass of cashmere scarves, alongside some of Valentine's personal selection of French chic props.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

And lo-and-behold, with a puff of smoke, the tape turned to cinders.

The Economist

Yet how honest, in contrast, they are about mortality itself.The commonest of all graveyard sentiments, for centuries until about 1850, was some variant of this memento mori Behold the place wherein I lyeFor as thou art sometyme was IAnd as I am so shalt thou beFrom lyfe to death follow meSo runs the memorial brass of Ioane Day in the splendid flint-walled church of Clavering, Essex.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "behold" to introduce something remarkable or unexpected to create a sense of wonder or emphasis.

Common error

Avoid using "behold" too frequently in contemporary writing, as it can sound archaic or overly dramatic if not used judiciously. Consider if a more modern verb like "see" or "observe" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

Behold functions primarily as an imperative verb, used to direct the audience's attention towards something noteworthy. Ludwig examples show how it introduces sights, events, or facts intended to impress or surprise.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Behold is an imperative verb used to direct attention and evoke a sense of wonder or importance. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and very common, predominantly found in news and media contexts. While effective for creating emphasis, overuse can sound archaic. Consider related phrases like "take a look" or "observe" for more modern alternatives. Use "behold" to highlight remarkable moments and to capture the reader's attention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

notice

A simple and straightforward term for becoming aware of something.

observe

A more neutral and scientific term for watching carefully.

pay attention to

Implies directing one's focus towards something.

take a look

Less formal and more direct, implying a casual observation.

witness

Suggests being present at an event, often of significance.

cast your eyes upon

More theatrical and dramatic, emphasizing the visual aspect.

gaze upon

Implies a prolonged and perhaps admiring look.

perceive

Focuses on the mental understanding of what is seen.

contemplate

Implies a thoughtful and reflective observation.

scrutinize

Suggests a detailed and critical examination.

FAQs

How can I use "behold" in a sentence?

"Behold" is typically used to draw attention to something noteworthy or surprising. For example, you might say, "Behold the majesty of the mountains!"

What are some alternatives to using "behold"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "observe", "see", "look", or "witness". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "behold" considered formal or informal?

"Behold" leans toward the formal side and can even sound archaic in some contexts. It's best suited for situations where you want to create a sense of ceremony or draw special attention to something.

When is it appropriate to use "lo and behold"?

"Lo and behold" is an idiomatic expression used to express surprise or astonishment at an unexpected event. For example, "I went to the store and, lo and behold, I ran into an old friend."