hold a message

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hold a message" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe when someone has some kind of communication or information to give or deliver: "The messenger had to hold a message of great importance for the King."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In doing so it shows how a magisterial lesson about the past can hold a message for the future as well.

The New York Times

If you want to pin multiple messages at once, press and hold a message and then tap additional messages to select them.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

There is no point in holding a message vote when the message is unpopular.

The Economist

But what we know of this picture holds a message, at least.

Independent

But Dr. Paget said their progress held a message for anyone with a neurological impairment.

The New York Times - Arts

Oh, the world we live in … A Tottenham fan holds a message for Jermain Defoe before the game against Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk.

The Guardian - Sport

Local athletes Katie Bradley, 17, and Doaa Shayea, 15, carried the baton which holds a message from the Queen to the Commonwealth.

BBC

The Jewish cemetery in the Czech town of Brno bears witness to the region's turbulent history, but it also holds a message of hope for the future, writes the BBC's Chris Bowlby.

BBC

In one photo the 28-year-old is holding a message for fiancee Johnny Depp.

Huffington Post

On a personal level, this holds a message for all of us, regardless of what our personal undertaking is.

Huffington Post

Like the United States, France feels that its values hold a universal message for mankind.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hold a message" to express a temporary state of having the message, before delivering it.

Common error

Avoid using "hold a message" when you intend to emphasize the act of communication. "Convey a message" or "deliver a message" is more appropriate when the focus is on transmitting information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold a message" primarily functions as a verb phrase where "hold" is the verb and "a message" is the object. It describes the action of possessing or containing a communication. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and is used to describe when someone possesses information to give.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

6%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hold a message" is a grammatically correct expression that describes the act of possessing or containing a message, often with the implication of temporary possession or imminent delivery. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. It's most commonly found in News & Media and Wiki, and less frequently in Formal & Business contexts. While the phrase is not extremely common, it is generally well-understood. When using this phrase, be mindful of the nuance it conveys and consider whether alternatives like "convey a message" or "deliver a message" might be more appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

convey a message

Focuses on the act of communicating the message rather than possessing it.

carry a message

Implies transporting or delivering the message.

contain a message

Highlights the message being included within something else.

bear a message

More formal way of saying carry a message.

have a message

A simpler, more direct way of stating possession of a message.

deliver a message

Emphasizes the act of transmitting the message to someone.

send a message

Focuses on the action of dispatching a communication.

communicate a message

Highlights the broader process of imparting information.

express a message

Focuses on articulating or revealing the message.

present a message

Implies a more formal or deliberate delivery of information.

FAQs

What does "hold a message" mean?

The phrase "hold a message" generally means to temporarily possess or be in charge of a communication before it is delivered or acted upon. It can also imply that something contains or embodies a particular message.

What are some alternatives to "hold a message"?

Alternatives to "hold a message" include "convey a message", "carry a message", "contain a message", or simply "have a message", depending on the specific context.

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

You can use "hold a message" to describe someone physically holding a sign with a message, or metaphorically to describe something containing an underlying theme. For example, "The athlete was holding a banner with a message of support" or "The old photograph seemed to hold a message from the past."

Is it better to say "hold a message" or "have a message"?

The choice between "hold a message" and "have a message" depends on the nuance you want to convey. "Hold a message" suggests a temporary state or a physical act of holding, while "have a message" simply indicates possession of information.