hold onto

USAGE SUMMARY

"hold onto" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use "hold onto" to mean "keep possession of," "continue to have," or "continue to be in possession of." For example, "Hold onto your hat—we're in for a wild ride!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Hold onto your hats.

The Guardian - Sport

Hold onto them.

The New York Times

And hold onto them forever".

The New York Times

"But don't hold onto it".

The New York Times

He could hold onto it.

The New York Times

Just hold onto it".

The New York Times - Sports

It's something to hold onto.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Tina Parol - "Hold Onto Your Heart" 11.

Huffington Post

How do I hold onto it...forever?

Huffington Post

What Beliefs Are You Still Holding Onto?

Forbes

Holding Onto Love.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hold onto" in writing, ensure the context is clear whether you're referring to a physical object, an idea, or an emotion. Using vivid language around the phrase can enhance its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "hold onto" in abstract contexts where a more precise verb would be more appropriate. For example, instead of saying "hold onto the belief", consider "maintain the belief" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "hold onto" is as a transitive phrasal verb, requiring an object. It indicates the act of maintaining possession or control of something, whether physical or abstract. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hold onto" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrasal verb meaning to maintain possession or control. As Ludwig AI validates, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, consider more formal alternatives like "retain" or "maintain" in professional writing. When using "hold onto", clarify whether the object is physical or abstract, and be mindful of potential misuse in overly abstract contexts. This guide provides best practices, common errors to avoid, and answers to frequently asked questions to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep hold of

Similar to "hold onto", but with a slightly different emphasis on the action of keeping.

don't let go of

A more direct and emphatic way of saying to keep holding.

retain possession of

Focuses on the act of keeping something that one already has.

keep a grip on

Emphasizes maintaining physical or metaphorical control.

cling to

Suggests a desperate or tenacious way of holding something.

maintain ownership of

Highlights the legal or official aspect of keeping something.

preserve

Implies keeping something in its current state for the future.

secure

Indicates making something safe and ensuring it remains in one's possession.

not relinquish

Formal way of saying not to give something up.

stick with

Indicates staying committed or loyal to something.

FAQs

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

You can use "hold onto" to mean keeping something physically, as in "Hold onto your hat in the wind!" or metaphorically, such as "Hold onto your dreams, no matter what".

What are some alternatives to "hold onto"?

Alternatives include "retain possession of", "keep a grip on", or "cling to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "hold onto" formal or informal?

"Hold onto" is generally considered informal to neutral. In formal writing, you might prefer alternatives like "retain" or "maintain".

What's the difference between "hold onto" and "hold on"?

"Hold onto" usually implies grasping or keeping something, while "hold on" is often used as an interjection meaning "wait" or "stop".