hold out

USAGE SUMMARY

"hold out" is a valid and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to someone withstanding something, often in an enduring manner, such as in the following example sentence: The endurance athlete struggled to hold out for the entire race.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Would my luck hold out?

The New Yorker

Will the money hold out?

The New York Times

We hold out hope".

The New York Times

Others hold out hope.

The New York Times

Hold out for enthusiasm".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Can Spaniards hold out until then?

The Economist

We don't hold out much hope.

The New York Times

Yet, Northwestern fans still hold out hope.

The New York Times - Sports

Hold out baits to entice the enemy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Hold out your hand," Iles commanded.

The New Yorker

He couldn't hold out any longer.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hold out" in the context of enduring or surviving, ensure the sentence clearly indicates what is being endured or survived. For example: "They managed to hold out against the storm."

Common error

Avoid using "hold out" in passive constructions where the subject is unclear or missing. It's better to actively state who is holding out and against what. Instead of "Hope was held out", write "The fans held out hope for a victory."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold out" functions primarily as a phrasal verb. Ludwig AI identifies it as commonly used to express enduring, resisting, or waiting for something. Its grammatical function allows it to add detail to actions related to perseverance and anticipation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

12%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hold out" is a versatile phrasal verb with several meanings, primarily revolving around endurance, resistance, and anticipation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It frequently appears in News & Media, Wiki, and Encyclopedias contexts, indicating a neutral register. When writing, ensure clarity by specifying what is being endured or waited for. Avoid passive constructions. Consider using alternatives such as "persevere" or "endure" to add nuance. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "hold out" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

don't give up

Offers a motivational message to continue striving and fighting, with the main focus on the lack of surrender.

endure

Highlights the ability to withstand hardship or suffering, focusing on the experience of tolerating rather than actively resisting.

withstand

Stresses the capability to stand against force or pressure, differing in its implication of successfully opposing something.

persevere

Emphasizes continued effort and determination in the face of difficulty, differing slightly in focusing on sustained action rather than resistance.

stand firm

Implies maintaining one's position or belief despite opposition, shifting focus to unwavering resolve.

resist

Focuses on actively opposing or withstanding something, placing more emphasis on the act of defiance than mere survival.

remain steadfast

Highlights unwavering commitment and loyalty, shifting the emphasis from mere endurance to dedicated adherence.

maintain hope

Expresses a positive expectation for the future, adding the feeling of expectation instead of the ability to endure.

wait patiently

Focuses on calmly awaiting something, changing the context from resistance to expectation.

keep going

Emphasizes continuous forward progress, differing in its general encouragement rather than specific resistance or anticipation.

FAQs

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

You can use "hold out" in a sentence to mean endure or survive a difficult situation, as in "They couldn't hold out any longer". It can also mean to wait for something better, as in "She is holding out for a better offer".

What does it mean to "hold out" hope?

To "hold out" hope means to continue to hope for something, even when the situation seems bleak. For example, "Despite the challenges, we still "hold out hope" that things will improve".

What are some synonyms for "hold out"?

Some synonyms for "hold out" include "endure", "persist", "resist", and "withstand", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "hold out on someone"?

Yes, it is correct to say "hold out on someone". It means to withhold information or resources from someone. For example, "Why are you holding out on me?"