held in reserve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "held in reserve" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is being kept back for future use or for a specific purpose. Example: "The company has a budget that is held in reserve for unexpected expenses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But that should be held in reserve.

The New York Times - Arts

Even at its peak, you sensed power held in reserve.

The New York Times - Arts

Four have been dismantled & the fifth is held in reserve.

The New Yorker

They were literally held in reserve for "the big one".

The New York Times

Just about everything in life should be held in reserve for special occasions, she says.

The New York Times

A second nitrogen charge is held in reserve in case of a second crash.

The New York Times

When he's silent, his glinting eyes and suppressed smile suggest a secret held in reserve.

The New Yorker

But this must be held in reserve for when things inevitably get worse.

The New York Times

He and his regiment, the Second Massachusetts Infantry, were held in reserve and would not fight.

The New York Times

One G.E. machine is held in reserve in case the two active machines break down.

The New York Times

Margery looked youthful and unspent, hinting at something held in reserve.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "held in reserve", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being held back and for what potential future scenario. This adds clarity and purpose to the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "held in reserve" when simply describing something that is unused. The phrase implies a deliberate decision to keep something available for a specific, often crucial, future need, not just general disuse.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "held in reserve" is as a verb phrase, often functioning as part of a passive construction. It indicates that something or someone is being kept back for a later purpose, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "held in reserve" is a versatile verb phrase indicating that something is being strategically kept back for later use, especially in anticipation of a specific need or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. It is commonly found in news, wiki, and science writing, signaling its neutrality and broad usability. To use it effectively, ensure the context clearly defines what is being held back and why. Although, avoid using the phrase to describe something unused, but instead focus on its intent, which is deliberate preservation for a purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kept back for a specific purpose

Highlights the selective conservation of items for a selective goal.

retained for future use

Focuses on the intention of utilizing something at a later time.

kept in storage

Emphasizes the physical act of storing something for future use.

set aside for contingency

Highlights the preparation for unexpected or emergency situations.

maintained as backup

Highlights the function of providing support or replacement if needed.

stored for emergency

Focuses on storing items that should be used in an unexpected situation.

kept on standby

Suggests readiness and immediate availability for deployment.

preserved for later deployment

Focuses on the action of preserving items to be dispatched later.

cached for future deployment

Focuses on the action of saving or caching items to be dispatched later.

stockpiled for later

Implies accumulating a supply for a specific future need.

FAQs

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

You can use "held in reserve" to indicate something is being kept back for future use or a specific purpose. For example: "The extra funds were "held in reserve" for unexpected expenses".

What phrases are similar to "held in reserve"?

Similar phrases include "kept in storage", "retained for future use", or "set aside for contingency". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "hold in reserve" instead of "held in reserve"?

"Hold in reserve" is the infinitive form, while "held in reserve" is the past participle. Use "held" when describing something already kept back. For example, "Those supplies are "held in reserve"."

What does "held in reserve" imply about the item being held?

The phrase implies that the item is being consciously kept back, typically for a specific or important reason, such as an emergency or a strategic opportunity. It suggests more than just simple storage; there's a purpose behind the reservation.