hold on to

USAGE SUMMARY

"hold on to" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone should hold onto something, whether physically or figuratively. Example: "Hold on to your dreams, and never give up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hold On to Those Papers!

The New York Times

Hold on to your hats.

Forbes

I hold on to it.

The New Yorker

Hold on to the good".

The New York Times - Tech

Hold on to your trousers, Gromit!

The Guardian

"Hold on to what is yours".

The New York Times

(Hold on to your baby, folks).

The New York Times

"We hold on to what we have".

The New York Times

"A crutch you hold on to".

The New York Times

"I'll probably hold on to it.

The New York Times - Magazine

Prestige labels hold on to their heritage.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hold on to" in writing, consider the context to ensure the phrase accurately conveys the intended meaning of retaining possession or maintaining something valuable, whether tangible or intangible.

Common error

Avoid using "hold on to" solely in its literal sense when a more nuanced term like "cherish" or "preserve" would better capture the intended emotional or symbolic meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "hold on to" functions primarily as a transitive verb, requiring an object. It expresses the action of maintaining possession, whether physically or figuratively. Ludwig examples illustrate diverse usages, supporting both concrete and abstract applications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hold on to" is a versatile phrasal verb used to convey the act of maintaining possession, both physically and figuratively. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage in written English. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media and Wiki sources. When writing, consider the context to ensure it appropriately conveys the intended meaning, and be mindful of potentially more precise synonyms for nuanced situations. The phrase enjoys wide acceptance and can effectively communicate the importance of retaining something valuable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hang onto

Informal synonym, suggesting a strong grip or determination to keep.

not let go of

Directly expresses the refusal to release or relinquish something.

retain possession of

Emphasizes maintaining ownership or control.

keep a grip on

Highlights the act of maintaining a firm grasp, both literally and figuratively.

cling to

Suggests a desperate or tenacious holding, often emotional.

preserve

Focuses on maintaining something in its original condition over time.

don't give up

Focuses on the perseverance in maintaining something, rather than the literal holding.

maintain

Implies continuous effort to keep something at a certain level or state.

safeguard

Highlights the act of protecting something from harm or loss.

conserve

Suggests careful management and preservation of resources.

FAQs

How can I use "hold on to" in a sentence?

You can use "hold on to" to mean physically grasp something, as in "Hold on to the railing". It can also mean to retain something valuable, like "Hold on to your dreams".

What does "hang onto" mean, and how is it different from "hold on to"?

"Hang onto" is an informal synonym of "hold on to", suggesting a strong grip or determination to keep something. It is often used interchangeably with "hold on to", but may sound less formal.

What can I say instead of "hold on to"?

You can use alternatives like "retain possession of", "cling to", or "preserve" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "hold onto" instead of "hold on to"?

Yes, "hold onto" is a valid alternative spelling, though "hold on to" is slightly more common in formal writing. Both phrases carry the same meaning.