difficult to keep hold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult to keep hold" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that is challenging to maintain or retain, whether it be a physical object or an abstract concept. Example: "The slippery surface made it difficult to keep hold of the package while climbing the stairs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Saints might find it more difficult to keep hold of another member of their first-choice front row.

Independent

It's starting to get difficult to keep hold of all the different strands, so we thought it's about time we try to tie them all together.

Independent

The former England captain continued: "It's always difficult to keep hold of your top players.

BBC

"I'm sure it will be difficult to keep hold of him, but we would love to".

BBC

"We knew it would be difficult to keep hold of David McGoldrick, so we've acted quickly," said boss Mark Robins.

BBC

He's very difficult to keep hold of, he bustles out of tackles and pops the ball on to support to keep the move flowing.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

That she just had to keep holding on.

The New York Times

Now, he said, he wants to keep holding court.

The New York Times

Do occasionally check that they want to keep holding.

WikiHow

"It's difficult to describe my feelings, we kept holding on for four years to the last breath.

Huffington Post

Do not hold it too loosely or the saw will be difficult to control, and keep on the cutline.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "difficult to keep hold", consider the specific context to ensure the phrase accurately reflects the challenge of maintaining possession or control. It is often used when discussing tangible items or abstract concepts that are easily lost or relinquished.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult to keep hold" when the intended meaning is simply about finding something. The phrase implies a struggle to maintain something already possessed, not just locating it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to keep hold" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, often describing a challenge or obstacle. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "difficult to keep hold" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase expressing the challenge of maintaining something already possessed. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it's more common in news and informal contexts. Alternatives like ""hard to maintain control"" or ""challenging to retain possession"" might be more appropriate for formal writing. Remember that this phrase refers to something you already possess which is becoming difficult to keep - if it is something that is hard to obtain, consider "difficult to obtain" instead.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard to maintain control

Focuses on the general challenge of maintaining control, applicable to various situations.

challenging to retain possession

Emphasizes the difficulty in retaining something one already possesses.

tough to hang onto

Informal alternative focusing on the effort required to maintain a grip.

not easy to secure

Highlights the lack of ease in making something secure and preventing its loss.

difficult to preserve

Focuses on the difficulty of maintaining something in its current state over time.

hard to safeguard

Emphasizes the challenge of protecting something from harm or loss.

taxing to uphold

Highlights the demanding nature of maintaining something, often a standard or principle.

a struggle to sustain

Emphasizes the ongoing effort required to keep something going.

requires effort to maintain

Highlights the effort required to maintain something

demands vigilance to preserve

Highlights the need for constant watchfulness to keep something safe

FAQs

How can I use "difficult to keep hold" in a sentence?

You can use "difficult to keep hold" to describe something challenging to maintain, such as "The company found it "difficult to keep hold" of its market share due to increasing competition".

What are some alternatives to "difficult to keep hold"?

Alternatives include "hard to maintain control", "challenging to retain possession", or "tough to hang onto", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "difficult to keep hold" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "difficult to keep hold" can sometimes sound informal. In highly formal contexts, consider using more precise or sophisticated alternatives such as "challenging to retain" or "hard to preserve".

What's the difference between "difficult to keep hold" and "difficult to obtain"?

"Difficult to keep hold" implies that something is already possessed but is challenging to maintain. "Difficult to obtain", on the other hand, means something is challenging to acquire in the first place.