hold magic

USAGE SUMMARY

"hold magic" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a situation or scenario that is considered to have a special power. For example: "The sunset held a kind of magic, like nothing else in the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Every era and place hold magic for people willing to live intently in them, she believes.

The New York Times - Arts

Maps still hold magic for some, and they are proud and eager to share their country with visitors.

The Guardian - Travel

IT IS said that a group of killers in Sulawesi hold magic properties that make their enemies powerless when they pass.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Mr. Anakanu and his wife, Shonda Lynch, wore wings and held magic wands.

The New York Times

But one statistic in football holds magic in the four-digit sum, 2,000.

The New York Times - Sports

You repeated that phrase three more times, as though it held magic powers.

The Guardian - Opinion

His speech temporarily left him, and he found himself waving his hands, no doubt wishing that they held magic wands.

The New Yorker

"That hat with those pants, worn with the damn platform shoes... ..... His speech temporarily left him, and he found himself waving his hands, no doubt wishing that they held magic wands.

The New Yorker

Munching pies and sipping mulled wine, gazing into the fire in this stunning building, takes me back to a distant and sustainable past that holds magic for a hopeful future.

The Guardian - Travel

And through it all a lot of grown-ups got rich holding magic mirrors up to pimply faces, selling young people and the rest of the world a series of confused, beguiling fantasies about life in the shopping malls, study halls and dormitories of America.

The New York Times

A small screen inside offered prompts: "What's the best thing you ever bought, or the worst?" Around the corner, a glass display case held "Magic Wands," a collection of oblong technologies remote control, bar-code scanner, Hitachi personal massager, mascara brush curated and labelled by the Center for Tactical Magic.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hold magic" to describe settings, objects, or even ideas that evoke a sense of wonder, mystery, or special power.

Common error

Avoid using "hold magic" in overly sentimental or predictable situations. Strive for originality by applying it to unexpected subjects or in novel contexts to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold magic" functions as a predicate in a sentence, attributing a quality of enchantment or special power to the subject. Ludwig AI examples show it describing places, objects, and even abstract concepts that evoke a sense of wonder.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hold magic" is a grammatically sound and evocative expression used to describe something possessing a special, captivating quality. While the examples found by Ludwig are limited, it's deemed correct and suitable for use in various contexts, particularly in news and media, to convey wonder and mystery. Ludwig AI's analysis indicates the phrase, while not very frequent, is appropriately used in contexts where one wishes to highlight the enchanting or unique nature of a subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

possess enchantment

Replaces "magic" with a synonym emphasizing charm.

have a mystical quality

Focuses on the mysterious aspect.

embody enchantment

Replaces "magic" with a synonym emphasizing charm and making it a core part.

exert a captivating influence

Focuses on the power of attraction the subject has.

carry a unique charm

Highlights the distinctiveness and appeal.

contain a wondrous quality

Shifts from active "hold" to a more passive "contain".

emanate a special allure

Highlights the sense of mystery it conveys.

radiate wonder

Emphasizes the inspirational quality.

have a spellbinding effect

Focuses on the impact it has on the observer.

exude a bewitching aura

Emphasizes the atmosphere or feeling it creates.

FAQs

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

Use "hold magic" to describe something possessing a special, almost supernatural quality, such as "The old forest seemed to "hold magic" within its ancient trees".

What's a good alternative to "hold magic"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "possess enchantment", "exert a captivating influence", or "have a mystical quality".

Is it appropriate to use "hold magic" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "hold magic" may lean towards a more descriptive or evocative style, making it more suitable for creative writing than formal academic papers. However, it can be used in formal writing if the tone is appropriate.

What kind of things can "hold magic"?

Abstract concepts like memories or places, or physical objects, can ""hold magic"". It suggests a powerful emotional or spiritual connection.