hold the title

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hold the title" is grammatically correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mean that someone is the current holder of a certain position, title or award. For example: "John Doe has held the title of CEO for the past 10 years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Dr. Wiesner was the third person to hold the title.

The New York Times

She will hold the title for another year.

The Washington Post

Mr. Stedham will continue to hold the title of president.

The New York Times

A British city will hold the title in 2008.

The Guardian

He will also hold the title of vice chairman.

The New York Times

He can hold the title until he retires," said Steward.

The Guardian - Sport

But why did it hold the title for so long?

The New Yorker

Nathalie Rykiel, the founder's daughter, will hold the title of vice chairwoman of the board.

The New York Times

The other is finding a "nominee," an Indonesian citizen who will hold the title.

The New York Times

Should Mr. Raymond, currently the lead director, hold the title of chairman?

The New York Times

In his new capacity, Mr. Rashbass will hold the title of chief executive of Reuters.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal contexts such as business or academia, use "hold the title" to denote a specific position or role someone occupies within an organization or field.

Common error

Avoid using "hold the title" when describing someone's qualifications or general attributes. Instead, reserve it for situations where there's a defined title or position being actively occupied.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold the title" functions primarily as a verbal phrase, often acting as the predicate of a sentence. It describes the action of possessing or maintaining a specified title, whether in sports, academia, or business. Ludwig examples show it clearly indicating the current possessor of a title.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

19%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hold the title" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that signifies the current possession of a specific title, position, or award. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and its frequency across various sources, particularly in News & Media and Academia, underscores its broad applicability. While alternatives like "retain the title" or "keep the title" exist, "hold the title" remains a clear and direct way to communicate this concept. It is essential to use it appropriately in contexts where a defined title or position is being actively occupied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have the title

A simpler way of stating that someone possesses a title.

retain the title

Focuses on the act of keeping a title that one already possesses, emphasizing continuity.

keep the title

Similar to 'retain', but can also imply preventing others from taking the title.

defend the title

Specifically used in competitive contexts where one must actively protect their title against challengers.

possess the title

Emphasizes the ownership or current holding of the title.

be the titleholder

Refers to the person who currently holds the title, focusing on their status.

lay claim to the title

Suggests a more assertive action of declaring oneself as the holder of the title, often in a disputed or competitive context.

bear the title

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of saying 'hold the title'.

enjoy the title

Implies a sense of privilege or benefit derived from holding the title.

lay claim to the throne

This is similar to "lay claim to the title" but instead refers to a throne

FAQs

How can I use "hold the title" in a sentence?

You can use "hold the title" to indicate that someone currently possesses a specific position, award, or distinction. For example, "She will "hold the title" of CEO until her retirement".

What are some alternatives to "hold the title"?

Alternatives include "retain the title", "keep the title", or "possess the title", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "held the title" instead of "hold the title"?

Yes, "held the title" is the past tense form and is appropriate when referring to someone who previously possessed the title. "Hold the title" refers to the present possession.

What's the difference between "hold the title" and "bear the title"?

"Bear the title" is a more formal and somewhat archaic way of saying ""hold the title"". "Hold the title" is more commonly used in contemporary English.