hold on for a while

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hold on for a while" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to indicate that someone should wait or stay in the same place for a short period of time. It is often used as a request for patience. For example, "I know you're eager to find out what's happening, but can you just hold on for a while?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

That should help it suck in more deposits.The state banks may hold on for a while yet to the market share they have taken.

The Economist

These investors "initially think they have a strong hand," he said, and hold on for a while as their losses become more severe.

The New York Times

If Mr Mugabe resists indefinitely, some African countries may even start to contemplate economic sanctions cutting off supplies of electricity, for instance that could jolt him into giving way.So Mr Mugabe may hold on for a while.

The Economist

Ideally, the strategy is to buy things you can keep and hold on for a while.

Forbes

Should you want to hold on for a while before selling, because the stock is headed for the stars, stock also is superior.

Forbes

Hold on for a while while It's moving, then let go.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

They held on for a while, letting go, eventually, to check their e-mail.

The New Yorker

From both perspectives, Mr. Bernstein said, TIPS are not a screaming buy right now, but they are reasonably priced as long as the investor holds on for a while.

The New York Times

While finesse held on for a while, in the end, Clarkson's playoff grit outworked the Huskies to a 2-1 win and a spot in Saturday night's regional final.

The New York Times

The roadies held on for a while, but finally they saw it was a lost cause.

The New York Times

A remnant under the command of General Pyotr Wrangel held on for a while in the Crimean peninsula, from where it was dislodged in November 1920.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hold on for a while" in writing, ensure the context aligns with a temporary pause or delay, rather than a permanent cessation. For instance, use it when asking someone to wait briefly during a phone call or before revealing information.

Common error

Avoid using "hold on for a while" when the expected wait time is indefinite or excessively long. It implies a reasonably short duration; for longer waits, consider phrases like "wait indefinitely" or "be patient for an extended period".

Linguistic Context

Hold on for a while functions as an imperative phrase, primarily used to request someone to wait or pause briefly. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. The phrase is a request for a temporary delay.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hold on for a while" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to ask someone to wait or pause briefly. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common use. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts. Remember to consider the implied duration and choose more formal alternatives when necessary. Top sources such as The New York Times and The Economist use this phrase, reflecting its broad acceptance in reliable media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wait a moment

Implies a shorter duration of waiting compared to the original phrase.

hold on a moment

More direct and slightly more formal than the original phrase, indicating a brief pause.

wait for a while

Emphasizes the act of waiting, but lacks the sense of anticipation or expectation of the original phrase.

bear with me for a moment

Indicates that the speaker is asking for patience, often while they are handling a task.

give me a minute

Implies that the speaker requires a short amount of time to complete a task, after which the other person's needs will be addressed.

just a second

Suggests a very brief pause, shorter than "a while".

please be patient

A polite way to ask someone to wait, especially when there might be a delay.

remain patient

Similar to 'please be patient' but implies an expectation of continued patience.

delay for a bit

Focuses on postponing something, rather than simply waiting. Not interchangeable in all contexts.

suspend briefly

More formal and suggests a temporary interruption or cessation of an activity.

FAQs

How can I use "hold on for a while" in a sentence?

You can use "hold on for a while" to ask someone to wait briefly. For example, "Please "hold on for a while" while I check the details" or "I need you to "hold on for a while" before I can give you an answer".

What's a more formal alternative to "hold on for a while"?

For a more formal alternative, consider phrases like "please wait a moment" or "kindly wait briefly". These options are suitable for professional communication.

Is it okay to use "hold on for a while" in business emails?

While "hold on for a while" is generally acceptable, it might be perceived as slightly informal for some business contexts. Depending on your relationship with the recipient, consider alternatives like "please allow me a moment".

What is the difference between "hold on a moment" and "hold on for a while"?

"Hold on a moment" usually implies a shorter waiting time compared to "hold on for a while". The latter suggests the pause might be slightly longer.