hold it right

USAGE SUMMARY

"hold it right" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to tell someone that they should keep something in the same position, especially if movement would cause a problem. For example, "Hold it right there, or the shelf could topple over."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Hold it right there, folks.

The New York Times - Sports

O.K., hold it right there.

The New York Times - Food

Hold it right there — only you can't.

The New Yorker

Hold it right there only you can't.

The New Yorker

"Hold it right there, you fucking Chinamen!

The Guardian - Books

He wants to stay on this side of things, to hold it right here.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

"She'd do them upside down, but when I asked to see one she held it right side up".

The New Yorker

When told by my father that I was holding my fork wrong, my mother would say that I was holding it right, or right in "certain circles".

The New Yorker

"I'm proud of our boys for holding it right to the end," said Pocock.

BBC

The job of wartime defense secretary is not a job anybody should like says the man holding it right now, Robert M. Gates, in a candid and wide-ranging interview with Katie Couric.

Huffington Post

"I've decided the right place to hold it is right here in Northern Ireland and we'll be holding the G8 on the 17th and 18th of June at Lough Erne in County Fermanagh.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to maintain a specific position, follow "hold it right" with clear and concise directions to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "hold it right" in formal writing or professional settings where a more polished and respectful tone is expected; opt for alternatives like "please wait" or "excuse me."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold it right" functions primarily as an interjection or an imperative. It's used to immediately halt an action or interrupt a conversation. Examples in Ludwig showcase its use as a directive to stop or wait. Ludwig AI confirms it's a usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hold it right" is a common and grammatically correct expression used primarily to interrupt or command someone to stop immediately. Ludwig highlights its frequent use in informal contexts such as news reports and wiki guides. Although versatile, it is best reserved for casual settings. For more formal environments, alternatives like "please stop" or "excuse me" are more appropriate. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is well-understood and widely employed in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stop right there

Emphasizes immediate cessation of action, often used in commands or warnings.

halt now

A direct and forceful command to stop.

freeze

A sharp, often urgent command to remain still.

don't move

A clear instruction to remain motionless.

wait a moment

Suggests a brief pause, suitable for interrupting or seeking clarification.

hold on a second

Similar to "wait a moment", implying a short delay.

stay put

Instructs someone to remain in their current location.

cease immediately

A more formal command to halt an action without delay.

suspend your actions

A polite yet firm request to stop doing something.

desist at once

A very formal and emphatic way to demand an immediate stop.

FAQs

How can I use "hold it right" in a sentence?

You can use "hold it right" to interrupt someone or to ask them to stop doing something immediately. For example, "Hold it right there! I need to talk to you."

What's a more formal way to say "hold it right"?

In a formal setting, you might say "please stop", "excuse me", or "I need to interject" instead of "hold it right".

When is it appropriate to use "hold it right"?

"Hold it right" is best used in informal situations, such as conversations with friends or casual settings where a direct approach is acceptable. It's also suitable for urgent situations where an immediate stop is necessary.

What can I say instead of "hold it right" when someone is about to make a mistake?

Depending on the context, you could say "wait", "stop", or "be careful". Alternatively, you could offer a gentle correction or suggestion without using a direct command.