hold on please

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hold on please" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to ask someone to wait for a brief moment while you complete a task or look for something. For example: "Hold on please, I'm just looking for the documents you asked for."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

In closed Facebook groups, users (some with Omo added to their names) share explicit photos and videos of wetting themselves or their partners, ask each other how long they should hold on—"Please can someone let me go peeeeee" is a common request—and either berate or congratulate each other.

Vice

"Can you hold on, please?

The Guardian

"Hold on, please, I think we're going too metaphorical and far afield.

The New Yorker

And he goes, in that voice: "Hold on please while I check the Sacred Book".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"By the way," I ask, "who is the building inspector on duty?" "Hold on, please," says the voice.

The New York Times

Not certain what was on the menu, I called and asked, "Do you have sandwiches in the cafe?" The young woman who took my call hesitated and then said, "Hold on please".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Let's hold on this one please as we're partnering with Uber on our drowsy driving campaign". That editor is Gregory Beyer, according to two Huffington Post sources and confirmed by spokeswoman Lena Auerbuch.

The Washington Post

But I ask you to please hold on.

The New York Times

"Australia/New Zealand promoters ask ticket-holders to please hold on to their tickets until further notice.

The Guardian - Music

"I know how dark and endless that tunnel can feel," she wrote, "but if happiness seems impossible to find, please hold on to the possibility of hope, faint though it may be".

Independent

The songs are more often about fading hopes, strained love and the inexorable passage of time -- songs like the extended centerpiece of Thursday's set, "Please Hold On While the Train Is Moving".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hold on please" in professional settings, ensure your tone remains polite and helpful, even if you're under pressure. A calm voice can make the waiting period more pleasant for the other person.

Common error

Avoid using "hold on please" in situations where immediate action is required. For example, in an emergency, prioritize providing assistance rather than asking someone to wait.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold on please" functions as an imperative request, specifically asking someone to wait. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Examples include telephone conversations and requests for brief pauses.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hold on please" is a common and grammatically correct way to ask someone to wait. While Ludwig AI confirms its general acceptability, it's important to consider the context and choose the most appropriate phrasing. As seen in various news and media examples, this phrase serves the primary function of pausing an interaction, often to allow the speaker time to complete a task or gather information. While "hold on please" strikes a neutral tone, more formal alternatives like "one moment please" may be better suited for professional communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

One moment, please

Standard polite request.

Wait a second, please

Slightly less formal.

Please wait there

Simple, direct request to wait.

Could you hold the line

Specifically for phone calls.

Kindly wait a moment

More formal and polite.

Just a moment, if you will

Polite and slightly old-fashioned.

Bear with me

Implies a slight inconvenience.

Allow me a moment

Formal and courteous.

Give me a second

Informal, common in casual settings.

Hang on a sec

Very informal.

FAQs

How can I politely ask someone to wait?

You can use phrases like "one moment please", "please wait a moment", or "kindly wait" as alternatives to "hold on please".

Is "hold on please" appropriate in formal communication?

While "hold on please" is generally acceptable, more formal options like "please allow me a moment" or "one moment please" may be more suitable for very formal contexts.

What's a less formal way to ask someone to wait?

Informal alternatives include "hang on a sec" or "give me a second", but these are best reserved for casual conversations.

Which is correct, "hold on please" or "please hold on"?

Both "hold on please" and "please hold on" are correct and commonly used. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or the rhythm of the sentence.