essentially hold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "essentially hold" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to convey the idea of maintaining a fundamental or core position or belief in a discussion or argument. Example: "In this debate, both sides essentially hold that the environment must be protected, albeit through different methods."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

And his stellar junior, Kemba Walker, is more evidence that a transcendent talent can essentially hold hostage an entire tournament of sixty-plus teams.

The New Yorker

And, more important, they have a lot of conventional weapons; they have eleven thousand artillery tubes dug in along the edge of the demilitarized zone facing South Korea, with which they essentially hold South Korea hostage.

The New Yorker

Thus, the two men essentially hold the key to moving the budget to its conclusion, allowing lawmakers not only to resume getting paid, but also to receive retroactive pay for the months they stopped drawing a salary.

The New York Times

The boards, Web sites where people essentially hold conversations via the messages they post, exist for all sports and scores of teams, but they have proven to be especially popular among college football fans, especially the most die-hard and peculiar among them.

The New York Times - Sports

Although his dancing shoes haven't received much of a workout lately, those words essentially hold true to this day, even as younger actors like Liev Schreiber and Philip Seymour Hoffman have followed Mr. Kline's distinctive career path in retaining an allegiance to theater as their film profiles grow.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 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

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

The New York Times

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

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "essentially hold", ensure that the core meaning of "maintain", "control", or "assert" is clear in your sentence to avoid ambiguity. Replace "essentially hold" with more precise language if the specific nuance of your intended meaning is lost.

Common error

While "essentially hold" is grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "fundamentally maintain" or "primarily control" for more impactful prose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "essentially hold" functions as a verb phrase, often used to describe the fundamental action or state of a subject. According to Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English to convey a sense of maintaining a core position or exerting control.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "essentially hold" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to convey the idea of maintaining, controlling, or asserting a fundamental position. As Ludwig points out, it is indeed usable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, the phrase is versatile and suitable for neutral and professional registers. While the phrase is acceptable, overuse can be repetitive, and considering alternatives can provide more nuance and impact. The phrase's frequency and consistent application across reputable sources affirm its validity and utility in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamentally maintain

Highlights the maintenance of a basic position or belief.

basically assert

Focuses on asserting a position with minimal qualification.

primarily control

Emphasizes the aspect of having principal control over something.

largely retain

Stresses retaining a condition or state to a significant extent.

effectively keep

Indicates maintaining something in a practical or functional way.

virtually possess

Similar to owning something in effect, even if not literally.

chiefly support

Implies that the main function is to offer support.

substantially uphold

Underlines the role of supporting and maintaining something firmly.

principally manage

Focuses on managing or directing something as a primary function.

mainly preserve

Highlights the act of keeping something intact or unchanged.

FAQs

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

Use "essentially hold" to indicate that something maintains, controls, or asserts a particular state or position. For instance, "The agreement "essentially holds" the company liable for damages."

What are some alternatives to "essentially hold"?

Alternatives include "fundamentally maintain", "basically assert", or "primarily control", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "essentially hold true"?

Yes, it is correct. It means that something is fundamentally or basically true. For example, "Although some details have changed, the core principle "essentially holds true"."

What is the difference between "essentially hold" and "effectively manage"?

"Essentially hold" focuses on maintaining or asserting a fundamental position, while "effectively manage" focuses on efficiently controlling or directing something. The former is about core function; the latter is about skillful control.