hold over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hold over" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to mean "to keep or extend something past its normal duration" or to "postpone something until a later date." For example, "The meeting was held over until the following week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It has little hold over our emotions.

The New York Times - Books

These assumptions may not hold over time.

The New York Times

I needed something to hold over him".

The New York Times - Magazine

The pattern seems to hold over the past ten years.

The New Yorker

Trump has promised just the opposite, and there's no real leverage to hold over him.

Yale University

China and Japan alone hold over $3 trillion worth.

Forbes

However, this conclusion does not hold over all sectors and regions.

Journal of Economic Structures

It is only true in so far as consensus is interpreted to hold over time instants.

The Journal of Mathematical Neuroscience

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

One even has a hold-over portrait of Abraham Lincoln.

The New York Times

"Homer's Barbershop Quartet" was a hold-over episode from the season four production line.

Wikipedia

Would Jen1 be re-ubiquitinated during its hold-over in the TGN?

eLife

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hold over" to mean 'delay', ensure the context clearly indicates what is being postponed and until when. For example, "We will hold over the discussion until next week".

Common error

Avoid using "hold over" without context, as it can be unclear whether you mean to postpone something or to retain influence over something. Always clarify the intended meaning through surrounding words.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold over" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It's used to describe the action of delaying something to a later time or to describe exerting some influence or control, as validated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

28%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hold over" is a versatile verb phrase commonly used to describe either delaying something or maintaining influence. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts, demonstrating its applicability across different writing styles. Be mindful of the different meanings and ensure context clarifies your intent. Understanding these nuances will allow you to use "hold over" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

postpone

Implies a delay to a later time, similar to delaying one aspect of "hold over".

retain influence

Focuses on maintaining control or power, reflecting a specific sense of "hold over".

delay

Emphasizes the act of postponing something, mirroring the delaying aspect of "hold over".

exert control

Highlights the act of exercising authority, reflecting a specific sense of "hold over".

maintain sway

Focuses on sustaining influence or power over something.

carry forward

Emphasizes continuing something into the future, similar to extending something with "hold over".

keep back

Highlights retaining something, often temporarily.

defer

Implies a formal postponement, resembling delaying one aspect of "hold over".

exercise leverage

Stresses the application of influence for a specific purpose.

extend tenure

Specifically refers to prolonging a term of office or occupancy.

FAQs

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

You can use "hold over" to mean to postpone something, as in "The decision was "held over" until the next meeting". It can also mean to retain influence, as in, "The company still has a significant "hold over" the market".

What are some alternatives to "hold over" when referring to a delay?

When referring to a delay, you can use alternatives like "postpone", "defer", or "reschedule".

Which is correct, "hold over" or "held over"?

"Hold over" is the base form, while ""held over"" is the past tense and past participle. The correct form depends on the tense of your sentence.

What's the difference between "hold over" and "holdover"?

"Hold over" (two words) is a verb phrase that can mean to delay or to maintain influence. "Holdover" (one word) is a noun referring to something remaining from the past.