hold a spot

USAGE SUMMARY

"hold a spot" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to reserve or keep a place for someone or something. Example: "Can you hold a spot for me in line while I go grab something to eat?" In this sentence, the speaker is asking someone to save their place in line while they step away temporarily.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

One marijuana grower said he'd bring an undisclosed amount of "cash in hand" — "just to hold a spot".

The New Yorker

One marijuana grower said he'd bring an undisclosed amount of "cash in hand"—"just to hold a spot".

The New Yorker

Leading this charge are junior defender Taylor Thornton and senior attacker Shannon Smith, who both hold a spot on the Tewaaraton Award preseason watch list.

The New York Times

The United States still does not hold a spot on the powerful executive committee, but that could change with the election of a new I.O.C. president this year.

The New York Times - Sports

Until he's healthy and playing, he's not useful, and to hold a spot or plan for his return would be pointless.

The New York Times

The New York senator laughed when asked about speculation that General Clark was a stalking horse to hold a spot for Mrs. Clinton to enter the race herself.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Some had agents holding a spot in line.

The New York Times

And "Freedom" seems to be holding a spot in the middle of the best-seller lists.

The New York Times

"No one's holding a spot for us at the Final Four," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

Roddick somehow became a disappointment, despite holding a spot in the Top Ten for all but a handful of weeks over a period of nine years.

The New Yorker

On Thursday, the Mets faced Greg Reynolds, a Colorado Rockies right-hander holding a spot in the rotation for the team's injured ace, Ubaldo Jimenez.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider if the spot is metaphorical (like a position on a list) and ensure the verb 'hold' aligns with the duration of that position.

Common error

Do not use it as a synonym for 'own' or 'possess' in a legal sense. While you can "hold a spot" in a line, you 'hold title' to a property. Mixing these can lead to unintended informal tones in legal or real estate documentation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold a spot" functions as a transitive verb phrase. It consists of the base verb "hold", signifying maintenance or possession, followed by the direct object noun phrase "a spot". In modern usage, as seen in examples from Ludwig, it can act as both a physical action and a figurative placeholder.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki & Informative

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academic

5%

Scientific

3%

Legal

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The expression "hold a spot" is a robust and highly reliable phrase in contemporary English. Ludwig AI highlights its prevalence in top-tier journalism, where it describes everything from sports rotations to spots on bestseller lists. It effectively bridges the gap between literal physical presence and abstract status. Whether you are asking a friend to save a seat or discussing a country's rank on a committee, "hold a spot" remains a grammatically correct and versatile choice for any writer.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

save a seat

Specific to seating arrangements in theaters, restaurants, or vehicles.

reserve a spot

Carries a more formal or official connotation, often implying a booking system.

hold a place

Slightly more formal and versatile, used for positions in line or social standing.

keep a space

Emphasizes the physical area being unoccupied until someone arrives.

occupy a position

Formal alternative often used in organizational or professional contexts.

maintain a slot

Common in scheduling, broadcasting, or technical rotations.

stand in

Suggests physically occupying the space on behalf of another person.

block out time

Shifts the focus from a physical spot to a temporal one on a calendar.

mark a territory

More idiomatic and aggressive, implying ownership of a space.

anchor a location

Suggests a more permanent or foundational presence in a specific area.

FAQs

Is it correct to say "hold a spot"?

Yes, it is a correct and widely used phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it is particularly common in news and media to describe keeping a place for someone or something.

What can I say instead of "hold a spot"?

Depending on your context, you can use synonyms like "save a seat", "reserve a spot" or "hold a place".

Can I use "hold a spot" for a job position?

Yes, it is common to say an employer is "holding a spot" for a specific candidate or an employee on leave.

What is the difference between "hold a spot" and "hold a position"?

While similar, "hold a position" is generally more formal and often refers to long-term employment or a strategic stance in an argument.