hold for long

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'hold for long' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest that something does not remain in a certain state for an extended period of time. For example, "The government is unlikely to hold for long if the public is dissatisfied with their policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

But he doubted that this deal would hold for long.

The New York Times

But it was a post she did not hold for long.

The Guardian

As Strauss said, England may have to hold for long periods and then strike.

Independent

The problem, she says, is that they never hold for long; they're undermined by budget cuts.

The New Yorker

The two formed a national unity government that did not hold for long.

The New York Times

But this neat division -- men as harassers, women as victims -- did not hold for long.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

The strategy contrasts with the buy-and-hold strategy in which a portfolio is decided on and held for long periods of time.

Duke University

Personally, I like to buy run-down "fixer houses," which can be purchased at below-market prices and upgraded either to hold for long-term investment or for resale profits.

Los Angeles Times

The first is that DiyABC and in fact most population genetics models assume nonoverlapping generations, which is unlikely to hold for long-living organism such as the olive tree.

Evolutionary Applications

Many were held for long periods.

The Guardian

She was arrested as a result but not held for long.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hold for long", ensure the context clearly indicates what is not expected to last or remain for an extended duration. For example, "The peace agreement is unlikely to "hold for long" given the underlying tensions."

Common error

Avoid using "hold for long" when you actually mean "wait for a long time". The former refers to something not lasting, while the latter refers to the act of waiting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold for long" functions as a qualifier, typically modifying a noun or situation by indicating a limited duration. It suggests that a particular state, condition, or position is not expected to last or remain in effect for an extended period. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hold for long" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a lack of expectation for something to last or remain for an extended period. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in various contexts. The phrase is commonly found in news and media, as well as academic writing, to express skepticism or doubt about the durability of situations or conditions. While alternatives like "not last long" and "be short-lived" exist, "hold for long" provides a distinct nuance related to sustaining a current state. When using this phrase, clarity is key to ensure the intended meaning is accurately conveyed. Remember, using "hold for long" implies that something is unlikely to sustain its current state, whereas "held for long" refers to keeping something for a duration in the past.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not last long

Emphasizes the brevity of the duration.

not continue for long

Highlights the lack of continuation over an extended period.

not endure for long

Focuses on the inability to withstand or persist.

not remain for long

Underscores the impermanence of a state or condition.

not stay for long

Implies a transient or brief presence.

be short-lived

Highlights the fleeting nature of something.

be temporary

Suggests a non-permanent state.

have a limited duration

Specifies that the period of existence is restricted.

not sustain itself for long

Indicates an inability to maintain stability or support.

not be viable in the long term

Focuses on the lack of long-term feasibility or success.

FAQs

How can I use "hold for long" in a sentence?

You can use "hold for long" to express that something is not expected to last or remain in effect for an extended period. For instance, "The current economic boom is unlikely to "hold for long".

What are some alternatives to "hold for long"?

Alternatives include "not last long", "be short-lived", or "not continue for long", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "held for long" or "hold for long"?

"Held for long" refers to something that was kept or maintained for an extended duration in the past, while "hold for long" predicts whether something will last. For example, "He was "held for long" without charges" versus "This truce is unlikely to "hold for long".

What is the difference between "hold for long" and "maintain for long"?

"Hold for long" implies that something is unlikely to sustain its current state or position, while "maintain for long" refers to the ability to keep something in a certain condition or position over an extended period.