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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
held by her
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "held by her" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate possession or control of an object or situation by a female subject. Example: "The book was held by her as she waited for the bus."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Academia
Alternative expressions(2)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
Includes a list of Folio plates/prints held by her.
Academia
The film likens Virginia's fancies to the Mormon beliefs held by her lover, Sheriff Tipton.
News & Media
(The rights to her work are held by her son, Salomon Bausch).
News & Media
Mejia was wide-eyed and shaking, held by her wife who sat adjacent.
News & Media
A private celebration of her life will be held by her immediate family.
News & Media
A memorial service will be held by her family in her beloved Dorset, VT.
News & Media
A memorial service will be held by her loving family in Dorset, VT.
News & Media
The child is being held by her mother and older sister.
News & Media
Nifong also demonstrated on television how he imagined the alleged victim was grabbed and held by her attackers.
News & Media
Liz Cheney now serves as the chairwoman of the House Republican Conference, a leadership position once held by her father.
News & Media
Her lawyers argue that she is entitled to half the property, shares and businesses held by her husband.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "held by her" to clearly indicate physical possession or control exerted by a female subject, ensuring the context supports this direct interpretation.
Common error
Avoid using "held by her" when the subject is merely in proximity or associated with an object; ensure she is actively holding or controlling it to maintain accuracy.
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "held by her" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or verb to indicate who or what is performing the action of holding. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.
Frequent in
News & Media
62%
Academia
9%
Wiki
5%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Science
0%
Encyclopedias
2%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "held by her" is a grammatically correct and very common prepositional phrase used to indicate possession, control, or physical support by a female subject. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is frequently found in News & Media and Academia. While generally neutral in tone, more specific alternatives may be preferred in formal settings. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates active holding or control to avoid ambiguity. Common errors include misinterpreting the subject's role and using it in inappropriate situations. Related phrases, such as "in her possession" or "grasped by her", can provide alternative ways to express similar ideas.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
grasped by her
Focuses on the act of physically holding, similar to the original but more active.
carried by her
Focuses on transportation or bearing something.
clutched by her
Implies a tight, often emotional, grip.
in her possession
Emphasizes ownership or control, moving away from direct physical action.
kept by her
Emphasizes retention or storage.
under her control
Highlights authority or management, suitable for abstract contexts.
owned by her
Highlights legal possession or proprietorship.
being supported by her
Highlights the act of giving assistance instead of control.
maintained by her
Indicates continuous upholding or preservation.
administered by her
Suggests management or governance.
FAQs
How can I use "held by her" in a sentence?
Use "held by her" to describe something physically possessed or controlled by a female subject. For example, "The baby was "held by her" mother."
What are some alternatives to "held by her"?
Alternatives include "in her possession", "grasped by her", or "under her control", depending on the specific context you wish to convey.
Which is correct, "held by her" or "held by she"?
"Held by her" is correct. "She" is a nominative pronoun and is not appropriate after the preposition "by". The objective pronoun "her" should be used.
What's the difference between "held by her" and "she held"?
"Held by her" is a passive construction emphasizing the object being held. "She held" is an active construction emphasizing the subject (she) performing the action of holding. Consider which element you want to emphasize.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested