hold back

USAGE SUMMARY

"hold back" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe an action of restraint or inhibition, or to refer to the retention of something. For example: "He tried to hold back his tears."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hold back the dawn, hold back tomorrow.

The New Yorker

She doesn't hold back".

The New York Times

So, don't hold back.

The New York Times

She couldn't hold back anymore.

The New York Times

"I'm predisposed to hold back".

The New Yorker

Ms. Rojo didn't hold back.

The New York Times - Arts

He did not hold back.

The New York Times

He tried to hold back.

The New York Times - Sports

And let's not hold back.

The New Yorker

They did not hold back.

The Economist

(Don't hold back, Mr. Denby).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When encouraging someone, use "don't hold back" to urge them to express themselves fully or exert maximum effort.

Common error

In formal contexts, consider stronger verbs like "restrict", "retain", or "suppress" to convey a more precise meaning and avoid casual phrasing.

Linguistic Context

Hold back primarily functions as a phrasal verb. It describes the action of restraining, inhibiting, or concealing something, either physically or emotionally. Ludwig shows numerous examples of this usage, confirming its active role in everyday language.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

18%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hold back" is a versatile phrasal verb commonly used to describe the act of restraining, concealing, or preventing something. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, predominantly in News & Media. While it maintains a neutral register suitable for general conversation, more formal settings may benefit from more precise vocabulary. When advising someone to express themselves fully, "don't hold back" serves as an encouraging idiom.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

restrain oneself

Focuses on the act of self-control in preventing an action or emotion.

keep in check

Emphasizes maintaining control over something to prevent it from escalating or getting out of hand.

curb

Suggests a limitation or restraint on something, often a desire or impulse.

suppress

Implies actively preventing something from being expressed or known.

stifle

Suggests smothering or restraining something, often an emotion or reaction.

conceal

Focuses on hiding something from view or knowledge.

withhold

Emphasizes the act of not giving something that is expected or due.

refrain from

Highlights the act of abstaining from doing something.

inhibit

Suggests hindering or slowing down a process or action.

impede

Focuses on obstructing or delaying progress.

FAQs

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

You can use "hold back" to describe restraining someone or something, as in "She tried to hold back her tears", or to encourage someone to not restrain themselves, as in "Don't hold back, tell me what you really think".

What does it mean to "hold something back"?

To "hold something back" means to deliberately not reveal or use all of something. It can refer to information, effort, or emotion.

What's the difference between "hold back" and "hold on"?

"Hold back" means to restrain or conceal, while "hold on" means to wait or persevere.

What are some synonyms for "hold back"?

Some synonyms for "hold back" include "restrain", "conceal", "withhold", or "keep in check" depending on the context.