hold the elevator

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hold the elevator" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to ask someone to keep the elevator open/active while you go and get someone else. For example: "Bob, could you please hold the elevator? I need to get my brother."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"I asked if he wanted me to hold the elevator.

The New York Times

"You need me to hold the elevator?" "No," he said decisively.

The New Yorker

That night, when Dr. Harvey went to get her mail, Mr. Barcella decided to hold the elevator door for her.

The New York Times

Empathy has long been considered part of the social glue that holds together society, the force that drives a mother and child to connect or that prompts one person to hold the elevator door for another.

The New York Times - Health

When I first moved into the building in the Dark Ages (just kidding!), gentlemen tipped their hats to ladies as they greeted them in the elevator, everyone faced front, and since we had elevator men, no one was able to hold the elevator for an inconsiderate amount of time.

The New Yorker

So if you're heading into the office and Sonar notifies you that a co-worker is close by, you can send a message asking them to hold the elevator or ask if they need a coffee.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The dwarf columns on the ground floor, eccentric end bays (which hold the elevators and stairways) and richly modeled terra cotta and stone work combine to make a wonderfully chunky masterpiece, especially for an industrial building.

The New York Times

A security guard gives him over a once-over before holding the elevator door open.

The New York Times

Mr. Nestor held the elevator, so they hopped in quickly, Ms. Thompson recalled.

The New York Times

"One of them held the elevator, the other one did the recording and they left," he told the radio station, WFPL.

The New York Times

And now they stand in some hotel lobby in Turin, shouting at the proprietor while a bellboy waits, holding the elevator.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking someone to "hold the elevator", be mindful of the other passengers. If the elevator is crowded, it may be more courteous to let it go and wait for the next one.

Common error

Avoid holding the elevator for an extended period, especially when others are waiting. A brief delay is acceptable, but be considerate of other people's time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold the elevator" functions as an imperative request. It's used to ask someone to keep the elevator door open, usually to allow someone to catch it before it closes. Ludwig shows several examples of its common use in everyday scenarios.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

33%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hold the elevator" is a common and grammatically correct way to ask someone to keep an elevator door open. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable and well-understood in written English. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Wiki contexts. When using this phrase, it's crucial to be mindful of others and avoid causing excessive delays. Alternatives like "hold the lift" (British English) or "can you hold the door" can be used depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can you hold the lift

Replaces "elevator" with "lift", which is more common in British English.

hold the elevator for me

Adds a personal element, emphasizing that the elevator should be held for the speaker specifically.

could you keep the elevator open

Uses a slightly more formal tone with "could you" and specifies keeping the elevator open.

keep the lift waiting

Uses 'lift' instead of 'elevator' and asks to keep it waiting.

wait with the elevator

A more direct request to wait for someone at the elevator.

hold the door

A shortened version that assumes the context of the elevator is understood.

please wait for me at the elevator

A polite request asking someone to wait.

can you stop the elevator

A more forceful alternative, implying the elevator is currently moving.

delay the elevator

Asks to delay the elevator's departure.

could you secure the elevator

A less common alternative using the verb 'secure'.

FAQs

How do I politely ask someone to "hold the elevator"?

You can say "Excuse me, could you "hold the elevator", please?" or "Would you mind "holding the elevator" for a moment?".

What is a British English equivalent to "hold the elevator"?

In British English, you would typically say "hold the lift" instead of "hold the elevator".

When is it inappropriate to ask someone to "hold the elevator"?

It's generally inappropriate to ask someone to "hold the elevator" if the elevator is already full or if you are significantly delayed and causing inconvenience to others.

Are there alternative ways to ask someone to wait besides saying ""hold the elevator""?

Yes, you can also say "Could you "wait for me"?", "Can you hold the door?", or "Please "keep the elevator open" for a second?".