hold hard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hold hard" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a command or request to ask someone to stop or pause for a moment, often to reconsider or think carefully about something. Example: "Before you make that decision, hold hard and think about the consequences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The move, seen as an attack on private market activity, prompted a rush to hold hard foreign currency.

The New York Times

With Sarwan, Samuels and Bernard all going fast and loose, Lara simply could not hold hard and fast.

The Guardian - Sport

You can't hold hard views at the Armory, which was refurbished in 1993 and is now so sparkling its beauty overwhelms you.

The New York Times - Sports

In March, the poet Derek Walcott died, and I thought of the last lines of his poem "The Fist": "Hold hard then, heart.

The New Yorker

The laws that permit Soviet citizens to hold hard currency, though progressive, will tend to fuel the demand of Soviet employees of foreign companies that they be paid in hard currency.

Harvard Business Review

And yet, they grip hard on to these beliefs, just as they hold hard on to their curling tongs which they twirl through their long blond locks every morning.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The United States should not hold hard-working, patriotic people hostage to the debate over immigration — or, worse, expel them because we have yet to resolve a complex national argument.

The Washington Post

Ask any judge, and they will tell you that they are worn out from baby-sitting lawyers who cannot get along with one another, who quibble over the most mundane aspects of their case, who accuse other lawyers of misdeeds, who complain about imagined slights, who hold hard-and-fast to deadlines without accommodation or courtesy, and the list goes on.

HuffPost

The chiffchaff is holding hard to his.

The Guardian

None said they had been penalized for using or holding hard currency.

The New York Times

to the house that took a hurricane, held hard to the isthmus.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hold hard" to add a sense of urgency or traditional flavor to a command, particularly when asking someone to stop or wait in anticipation of something important.

Common error

Avoid using "hold hard" in overly formal or modern contexts where it might sound out of place. Opt for alternatives like "wait" or "stop" in professional settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold hard" primarily functions as an imperative verb phrase. It's used to command someone to stop, pause, or remain still. Ludwig AI confirms this usage aligns with standard grammatical rules.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

10%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hold hard" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used as a command to stop or pause. As verified by Ludwig AI, it maintains a neutral to slightly informal tone. While not overly common, it appears in various contexts, most frequently in news and media. When choosing an alternative, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey, selecting from options like "wait a moment" or "stop right there". Despite its correcteness, be mindful of its register; it might not suit the most formal of situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wait a moment

Implies a brief pause, similar to asking someone to stop briefly.

hold on a second

Suggests a temporary halt, nearly interchangeable with "hold hard".

stop right there

Directly commands someone to cease their current action.

pause for a while

Indicates a temporary suspension of activity.

take a breather

Suggests a break or pause to rest or reconsider.

stay put

Commands someone to remain in their current position.

remain still

Instructs someone to avoid movement, similar to the literal sense of "hold hard".

don't move

A direct command not to change position.

keep your position

Instructs someone to maintain their current location or stance.

exercise restraint

Implies controlling one's actions or emotions, a metaphorical "holding back".

FAQs

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

You can use "hold hard" as a command to stop or pause, such as in the sentence "Hold hard! There's a car coming."

What does "hold hard" mean?

"Hold hard" means to stop, wait, or remain still. It's often used as a command.

What can I say instead of "hold hard"?

You can use alternatives like "wait a moment", "hold on a second", or "stop right there" depending on the context.

Is "hold hard" formal or informal?

"Hold hard" is generally considered informal and may sound somewhat antiquated in modern contexts. It's best suited for situations where a slightly traditional or urgent tone is appropriate.