can be held back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be held back" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is prevented from progressing or moving forward. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, the project can be held back until further notice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Most of the UK's charities are small, and building or importing these skills can be held back by costs.

The Guardian

He said other bodies such as environmental charities had a role to play in working out how water can be held back further up in the hills.

The Guardian

In the intervening time, I have noticed a pattern in the ways people write job applications – and can be held back by them.

The Guardian

They can be held back with fridges or accelerated with greenhouses, but an initial plant list is rarely the same as the final garden.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"And a lot of times, I think, black artists can be held back — not being able to be abstract, humorous, visceral, abject".

The New Yorker

This can have a negative impact on the Lebanese children in class, who can be held back while Syrian children, who speak only Arabic, take class-time to learn rudimentary English or French.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

"Through my campaigning, I've felt democracy getting closer to the people, and that is a trend that can not be held back".

The New York Times

The spring, which can never be held back, is coming.

Huffington Post

You can choose to be held back by this loss or you can choose to learn from it and move on to a wiser, more compassionate person.

WikiHow

"I could just see the sense of possibility," she says, fuelled by a belief that places and people can either prosper or be held back by good public services and civic leadership, and a fury about health inequality that leads to Doncaster residents dying on average 10 years earlier than people living in the more affluent south-east of England.

The Guardian

There were many times over the years I trained alone but I'm self motivating and have to problem training by myself and in fact I can go faster and not be held back.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be held back", consider the specific reason for the potential delay or hindrance. Providing context enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "can be held back" as a vague placeholder. Always provide a specific reason or potential cause to maintain clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be held back" functions as a passive verb phrase indicating the potential for something or someone to be delayed or prevented from progressing. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

22%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be held back" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive verb phrase that expresses the potential for delay or hindrance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It appears most commonly in news, wiki, and scientific contexts. While versatile, it's important to provide context when using it. Consider alternatives like "may be delayed" or "could be hindered" to add nuance. By understanding its function, purpose, and common contexts, you can effectively use "can be held back" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be delayed

Suggests a postponement or slowing down, differing from being completely restrained.

could be hindered

Indicates an obstruction or impediment affecting progress.

might be restrained

Implies a limitation or restriction being imposed.

can be impeded

Focuses on obstacles that slow down or prevent forward movement.

may be constrained

Highlights limitations or restrictions on freedom or action.

can be hampered

Implies difficulties and obstacles that create a disadvantage.

might be suppressed

Suggests a forceful prevention of expression or action.

could be checked

Implies a halt or pause in progress, differing from a permanent block.

may be curbed

Focuses on controlling or restraining something, often to a lesser extent.

can be set back

Highlights a reversal or delay in progress, as opposed to complete prevention.

FAQs

How can I use "can be held back" in a sentence?

You can use "can be held back" to indicate that something or someone is prevented from progressing or developing as expected. For instance, "Progress on the project "can be held back" by funding issues".

What is a good alternative to "can be held back"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "can be held back" include "may be delayed", "could be hindered", or "might be restrained". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "can be held back" or "is held back"?

The choice between "can be held back" and "is held back" depends on whether you're discussing a possibility or a current state. "Can be held back" implies a potential for delay, while "is held back" indicates that the delay is already happening.

What does "can be held back" mean in the context of education?

In education, "can be held back" often refers to a student repeating a grade due to not meeting academic standards. This means the student "can be held back" to ensure they have a solid foundation before moving on.