held up by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "held up by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is supported or sustained by another object or factor. Example: "The bridge is held up by strong steel beams that ensure its stability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Statue being held up by a forklift.

The New York Times

It's held up by the sunroof frame".

The New York Times

It was held up by Mr. Karmazin?

The New York Times

That law has been held up by a federal court.

The New York Times

But it is being held up by procedural impediments.

The New York Times

They are being held up by several interconnected problems.

The Economist

Day lilies look like flame held up by water;.

The New Yorker

No frets about loans held up by volcanoes.

The New York Times - Arts

These plans are currently held up by lawsuits.

The New York Times

You are held up by a four-blades rotating fan.

The New Yorker

The platform is instead held up by these weird acorns.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "held up by" to describe delays, specify the cause of the delay to provide clarity. For example, instead of saying "The project was held up", specify "The project was held up by unforeseen circumstances".

Common error

Avoid overusing "held up by" in passive voice constructions, as it can make your writing sound indirect and less engaging. Opt for active voice where possible to improve clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "held up by" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often used to describe the means of support or the cause of a delay. Ludwig shows this dual functionality through examples ranging from physical support to figurative impediments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "held up by" is a very common prepositional phrase primarily used to indicate support or cause of delay. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears most frequently in news and media, but also in encyclopedic and scientific contexts. When using "held up by", ensure the context is clear, specifying what is providing the support or causing the delay. Avoid overuse in passive constructions for a more engaging writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

supported by

Focuses on the aspect of providing physical or conceptual support.

sustained by

Emphasizes the idea of maintaining or prolonging something.

maintained by

Highlights the aspect of continuous support or upkeep.

delayed by

Shifts the focus to the aspect of being impeded or slowed down.

obstructed by

Emphasizes the presence of a barrier or obstacle.

impeded by

Highlights the hindering or preventing effect on progress.

propped up by

Suggests a less stable or temporary form of support.

backed by

Focuses on support in the sense of endorsement or authorization.

restrained by

Implies a limitation or restriction imposed by something.

dependent on

Highlights the reliance or need for something else for support or functionality.

FAQs

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

The phrase "held up by" can be used to describe something that is supported physically, like "The statue was "held up by" a forklift", or to describe something being delayed, like "The meeting was "held up by" traffic".

What's a good alternative to "held up by" when describing support?

When referring to physical or conceptual support, you can use alternatives such as "supported by", "sustained by", or "maintained by" depending on the specific context.

How does "held up by" differ from "delayed by"?

"Held up by" can imply a temporary or unexpected delay, while "delayed by" suggests a more significant or prolonged postponement. The choice depends on the severity and nature of the delay.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "held up by"?

While "held up by" is often used in the passive voice, using the active voice can sometimes create a more direct and engaging sentence. For example, instead of "The shipment was "held up by" customs", you could say "Customs "delayed" the shipment".