hold positions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hold positions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as military, finance, or job roles where individuals are maintaining their current roles or stances. Example: "During the drill, the commander instructed the troops to hold positions until further orders were given."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Do women hold positions of leadership?

The Guardian

Women don't hold positions of power as much as men.

The New York Times

Some of my stadium acquaintances hold positions of power.

The New York Times

They have careers, and some of them hold positions of authority in their various workplaces.

Independent

Executives hold positions of trust: betraying that trust is a serious matter.

The Economist

Several former members of the Taliban government serve in Parliament, and a few more hold positions in provincial governments.

The New York Times

Taliban forces hold positions just inside the base, where two abandoned Soviet guard towers and a crumbling wall still stand.

The New York Times

Israeli forces withdrew from two more Palestinian-controlled cities but continued to hold positions in two others.

The New York Times

He negotiated shifts of power as early political patrons were marginalised to hold positions as agriculture, health and defence minister.

The Guardian

"We have to ensure that all of our members have the right to hold positions within the organisations.

The Guardian

How many of them, for example, hold positions as crucial to public spending as minister of the exchequer?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing strategic maneuvers in competitive scenarios, consider "hold positions" to convey maintaining control or defending a current advantage.

Common error

Avoid using "hold positions" when referring to temporary confinement. "Holding cell" is the correct term for a place where individuals are temporarily detained.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold positions" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the action of maintaining or retaining a specific location, role, or stance. Ludwig AI confirms this through its examples, showing usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hold positions" is a versatile verb phrase that signifies maintaining a specific location, role, or stance. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in contexts ranging from military strategy to business operations. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for diverse audiences. When writing, use "hold positions" to convey stability and control, ensuring that you're not confusing it with similar-sounding terms like "holding cell". For alternative phrasing, consider options like "maintain positions" or "retain roles", depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain positions

Focuses on the act of keeping or preserving existing positions, emphasizing continuity.

retain roles

Emphasizes the continuation of specific duties or functions within an organization or system.

occupy posts

Refers to the act of filling or possessing a certain official role or duty.

defend ground

Implies protecting a physical or metaphorical space or position from external forces.

stand firm

Highlights the unwavering commitment to a particular belief or stance.

keep stations

Emphasizes the act of remaining in assigned locations or roles, often in a structured environment.

uphold offices

Focuses on the act of maintaining the integrity and responsibilities of a particular office or position.

sustain levels

Refers to the act of maintaining or supporting a specific standard or quantity.

preserve status

Emphasizes the effort to maintain a specific social or hierarchical standing.

secure foothold

Implies gaining and maintaining a stable position or advantage, often in a competitive environment.

FAQs

What does "hold positions" mean in a military context?

In a military context, "hold positions" means to maintain control of a specific location or area, preventing the enemy from advancing or taking over.

How can I use "hold positions" in a business context?

In a business context, "hold positions" can refer to maintaining a certain market share, retaining key employees, or sticking to a strategic plan despite challenges. For example, "The company aims to "maintain its market share" in the face of increased competition."

What is a synonym for "hold positions" in finance?

In finance, a synonym for "hold positions" could be "maintain investments", meaning to keep existing investments without selling or changing them.

Is it grammatically correct to say "held positions" instead of "hold positions"?

Yes, "held positions" is grammatically correct. It is the past tense form of "hold positions", indicating that the action of holding the positions occurred in the past. See also "held positions".