essentially held

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "essentially held" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a fundamental or core belief or position that is maintained or supported. Example: "The committee essentially held that the proposed changes would benefit the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

In the decades that followed, this bargain has essentially held together.

The New York Times

He closed a wood factory in Brittany and was essentially held hostage by the employees for a day.

The New York Times

The move has essentially held up what was to have been Bishop Egan's final deposition in the case.

The New York Times

Results may not be available until early Monday, keeping in suspense a nation that has essentially held its breath until a winner is declared.

The New York Times

Much of his imagery is too fragmented or opaque to make accessible sense, and the show is essentially held together by his presence.

The Guardian

Wells Fargo's stock price has fallen more than 15 percent over the last year, while the KBW Bank index, a popular barometer of the sector, has essentially held steady.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

The reader is essentially holding fragmented lives in his or her hands.

The New York Times

Not paying is essentially holding a gun to someone's head, too," says Mr Brennan.

The Economist

They are essentially holding auditions again for middle relievers, no matter what they are paying them.

The New York Times

The A-listers essentially hold a standing invitation: show up and a front-row seat will happily be found.

The New York Times

That would at least comply with the manager's conservative instincts, whereby he insists on having two essentially holding midfielders.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "essentially held" to convey the idea that the core aspect of something remains unchanged, even if there are superficial alterations. For example, "The original agreement was essentially held, although some clauses were renegotiated."

Common error

Avoid using "essentially held" to describe actions that are actively performed. Instead, it best describes conditions or states that are maintained. Instead of saying "He essentially held the position of CEO", try "He essentially occupied the position of CEO".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "essentially held" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a state of being maintained or supported. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "essentially held" is a versatile verb phrase used to convey that a core aspect or state remains consistent. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, including news and media, science, and formal business communications. When writing with "essentially held", it's important to consider its function in indicating maintenance or support, and to avoid misusing it in active scenarios. Alternatives like "primarily maintained" or "fundamentally believed" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. By considering these aspects, writers can effectively use "essentially held" to convey their intended message with clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primarily maintained

Focuses on the act of keeping something in a specific condition or state as a main priority.

fundamentally believed

Highlights the deep-rooted nature of the belief or principle.

largely sustained

Indicates that something has been mostly kept in a particular state or condition.

mainly preserved

Emphasizes the action of protecting something from harm or change.

basically upheld

Signifies that a principle or agreement has been defended or supported.

virtually retained

Implies that something has been kept almost entirely intact.

inherently contained

Suggests that something is naturally or intrinsically included or limited.

principally conserved

Highlights the careful management and protection of something important.

chiefly supported

Indicates that something is mainly or predominantly backed or endorsed.

effectively maintained

Suggests that something is kept in a particular state or condition in a practical and efficient manner.

FAQs

How can I use "essentially held" in a sentence?

Use "essentially held" to indicate that something is maintained or supported in its core aspects, even if there are superficial changes. For example, "The treaty was "essentially held" despite minor disputes."

What can I say instead of "essentially held"?

You can use alternatives like "primarily maintained", "fundamentally believed", or "largely sustained" depending on the context. Each alternative emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the original phrase.

Is it correct to say "essentially hold" instead of "essentially held"?

The correct tense depends on the context. "Essentially hold" is present tense, while "essentially held" is past tense. Choose the tense that matches the timing of the action or state you are describing.

What is the difference between "essentially held" and "nominally held"?

"Essentially held" means that something is maintained or supported in its core aspects. "Nominally held" means that something is held in name only, without real power or effect. The two phrases have opposite meanings.