continue to hold

USAGE SUMMARY

"continue to hold" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something should remain in place. For example: "Continue to hold the barbell steady while you lower it down."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some investors continue to hold that view.

The New York Times

His arguments continue to hold water".

The New York Times

Netflix will continue to hold onto that.

The New York Times

I continue to hold him in the highest regard".

The New York Times

"Serious drinking and grieving" will continue to hold center stage.

The New York Times - Books

Europe's economic convulsions continue to hold back American growth.

The New York Times

Republicans are gonna continue to hold the House.

The New York Times - Magazine

I continue to hold him in high personal esteem.

The New York Times

"The policy makers will continue to hold their stance".

The New York Times

I will continue to hold them to account".

The Guardian

For now, Watford continue to hold the higher ground.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "continue to hold", ensure it's clear what is being held, whether it's a physical object, a belief, or a position. For instance, "Continue to hold the door open" or "Continue to hold that belief."

Common error

Avoid using "continue to hold" when the action has naturally concluded. For example, don't say "Continue to hold your breath" after someone has already exhaled; instead, use "resume holding your breath" if they intend to do it again.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "continue to hold" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically serving as part of a verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in numerous examples, indicating its role in expressing ongoing actions or states.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "continue to hold" is a grammatically sound and frequently used infinitive phrase that expresses the persistence of an action or state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. The phrase functions to indicate that something should remain in its current condition or position, and it carries a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using "continue to hold", clarity is key: ensure the scope of what is being 'held' is well-defined to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "keep holding" or "maintain possession of" to fine-tune the nuance of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep holding

Replaces "continue" with "keep", emphasizing the ongoing nature of the action. This alternative maintains a high degree of similarity, with only a slight change in emphasis.

carry on holding

Uses the phrasal verb "carry on" instead of "continue", which gives a slightly more informal tone.

persist in holding

Substitutes "continue" with "persist", adding a sense of determination or insistence. This alternative changes the tone slightly, suggesting more deliberate action.

stick with holding

An informal alternative using "stick with", suggesting a commitment to the action.

maintain possession of

Replaces "hold" with "maintain possession", focusing on the aspect of ownership or control. This alternative is more formal and specific.

remain in control of

Similar to "maintain possession", this alternative emphasizes the aspect of control rather than physical holding.

preserve one's hold on

Implies active preservation of existing power or influence.

sustain one's grip on

More metaphorical, suggesting an effort to keep control against opposition.

endeavor to hold

More formal, replaces "continue" with "endeavor to", implying a concerted effort.

don't let go of

Focuses on preventing the loss of what is being held, rather than the continuation of holding.

FAQs

How can I use "continue to hold" in a sentence?

Use "continue to hold" to indicate the ongoing action of keeping something in a particular state or position. For example, "Please "continue to hold the line" while we transfer you" or "They "continue to hold hope" for a positive outcome".

What are some alternatives to "continue to hold"?

Alternatives include "keep holding", "maintain possession of", or "carry on holding". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "continue to held"?

No, "continue to held" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "continue to hold", as "hold" is the base form of the verb that should be used after "to".

What's the difference between "continue to hold" and "continue holding"?

"Continue to hold" implies an infinitive form expressing purpose or instruction, while "continue holding" uses a gerund and suggests a continuous action. "Continue to hold the box" could be an instruction, whereas "Continue holding the box" emphasizes the uninterrupted nature of the action.