hold off

USAGE SUMMARY

"hold off" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to delay doing something or ask someone to delay doing something. For example: "Let's hold off on making a decision until we have more information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Hold off on that.

The New York Times

Glynn chose to hold off on surgery.

The New York Times - Magazine

I'd hold off on that.

The New York Times

And so I hold off.

The New York Times

Columbia trying to hold off Harvard.

Cornell University

I'd hold off on that judgment, too.

The New York Times

I'm going to hold off on that.

The New York Times - Arts

But he couldn't hold off Lopez's charge.

The New York Times

Can the pros hold off the amateurs?

The Washington Post

They asked him to hold off.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The game would involve: — The Hold-Off.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, consider using synonyms like "postpone" or "defer" for a more sophisticated tone.

Common error

Avoid using "hold off" when you mean to indicate that something will not happen at all. "Hold off" implies a temporary delay, not a complete stop. Use words like "cancel", "abandon", or "discontinue" for permanent cessation.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "hold off" functions primarily as an intransitive verb, meaning it doesn't require a direct object. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is used to indicate the act of delaying or postponing something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

19%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "hold off" is a versatile and frequently used expression for indicating a temporary delay or postponement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted. While generally neutral to informal in register, it’s prevalent in news and media, as well as academic and wiki contexts. When choosing alternatives like "postpone" or "delay", consider the level of formality required. Remember, the essence of "hold off" lies in its implication of a temporary pause, not a permanent stop. Embrace it to add nuance and precision to your writing, ensuring your message is both clear and contextually appropriate. With numerous examples from Ludwig, you can confidently use the expression to signal a deliberate pause, enhancing your command of the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

put off

Similar phrasal verb with an identical meaning.

wait

A shorter, more direct way of expressing a temporary delay.

postpone

Single word alternative, less conversational.

delay

Another single word that carries a similar meaning but is more formal.

defer

A more formal term for delaying something.

suspend

Suggests a temporary stoppage, often used in formal contexts.

refrain from

Suggests self-control in delaying an action.

shelve

Indicates putting something aside, possibly indefinitely.

abstain from

A more formal way of saying refrain from, often used in legal or official contexts.

table

To postpone discussion of.

FAQs

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

You can use "hold off" to suggest delaying an action or decision. For example, "Let's "hold off" on buying a new car until next year".

What's a simple way to explain what "hold off" means?

"Hold off" means to delay or postpone something. It's like saying "wait a bit before doing that".

What can I say instead of "hold off"?

Alternatives to "hold off" include "postpone", "delay", or "put off". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "hold off" formal or informal?

"Hold off" is generally considered informal. In more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "defer" or "suspend".