held up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "held up" is correct and usable in written English.
It is most commonly used to mean "delayed" or "postponed". For example, "The meeting was held up until Monday due to bad weather."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Make it "held up".

The New York Times

He held up his watch.

The New Yorker

She held up a finger.

The New Yorker

The transport system held up.

The Economist

Gencic held up her racket.

The New York Times - Sports

I held up my glass.

The New Yorker

A They held up well.

The New York Times

He held up four fingers.

The New Yorker

He held up his hand.

The New Yorker

He held up a flask.

The New Yorker

Ingels held up the model.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "held up" to mean 'delayed', ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing the delay. For instance, "The project was held up due to unforeseen circumstances."

Common error

Avoid using "held up" when you mean to say someone 'held' something 'up' physically. "Held up" in this context implies a robbery or obstruction, not simply lifting or presenting an object.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "held up" primarily functions as a phrasal verb, often acting as the past tense or past participle of "hold up". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "held up" is a versatile expression primarily used to indicate a delay or obstruction. Ludwig AI confirms that is grammatically sound and its frequent appearance in various sources, particularly in News & Media, reflects its common usage and wide acceptance. While primarily neutral in tone, context dictates its specific meaning, ranging from describing postponed events to something withstanding the test of time. Remember to choose the appropriate alternative based on the intended nuance, and consider the risk of being misunderstood if you mean the physical action of holding something high.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delayed

This is a direct synonym, focusing on the aspect of being late or postponed.

postponed

Emphasizes the act of rescheduling to a later time.

obstructed

Focuses on something being blocked or hindered.

impeded

Similar to obstructed, but suggests a more gradual slowing down.

withheld

Highlights the act of keeping something back or suppressing it.

endured

Focuses on the ability to withstand or survive a difficult situation.

maintained

Emphasizes the act of keeping something in good condition or preserving it.

remained strong

Highlights the resilience and ability to stay firm despite challenges.

stood firm

Implies resisting pressure or opposition.

was sustained

Emphasizes that something continued or was supported over time.

FAQs

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

You can use "held up" to mean delayed, as in "The meeting was "held up" due to a traffic accident", or to mean robbed, as in "The bank was "held up" this morning".

What's a good alternative to "held up" when referring to delays?

Depending on the context, you could use "delayed", "postponed", or "impeded".

Is it correct to say something "held up well"?

Yes, "held up well" means something has remained in good condition or functioned effectively over time. For example, "The old bridge "held up well" despite the storm".

What's the difference between "held up" and "held back"?

"Held up" usually implies a delay or robbery, while ""held back"" suggests restraint or preventing someone/something from progressing.