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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
hold time
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"hold time" is not a correct or usable phrase in written English.
There are other phrases that might mean the same thing such as "wait a moment", "give me a moment" or "hold on". For example, you could say: "Hold on a moment, I need to find my keys."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
News & Media
Academia
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
An average hold time greater than 90 minutes.
News & Media
Thur Sep 30 YL Section 5: Setup & Hold time violations.
Hold Time by M Ward is out now on 4AD.
News & Media
In order to study the hold time effect, fatigue crack growth tests were terminated and 3 hours hold time period was applied.
Science
A 1 s hold time between equal strains of ϵ=0.25 was sufficient for appreciable strain induced precipitation, although 40% static recrystallisation occurred during the hold time.
Science
By changing the lattice parameters the data hold time can be changed in a desired way.
Our results show that the interface strengthens with hold time, whatever the conditions of the experiments.
Significant variations in pull-off stress and detachment mechanism with roughness and hold time were found.
Fatigue life significantly dropped for hold time fatigue tests in comparison with pure fatigue tests.
Science
During the hold time the sample was completely unconstrained; neither stress nor a strain was applied.
Science
The organic modifier, buffer pH, gradient time and initial hold time were selected as primary parameters.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
In technical contexts, particularly in science or engineering, ensure that the specific type of "hold time" is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify if it refers to "packet hold time" or "cryostat hold time".
Common error
In technical documentation, avoid using "hold time" without clearly defining what is being held and for what purpose. Ambiguity can lead to misinterpretations and errors. Instead, be specific: "data hold time" or "temperature hold time".
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
3.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "hold time" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a descriptor specifying a duration. Ludwig AI considers the phrase incorrect, and other alternatives may be more appropriate depending on the context.
Frequent in
Science
63%
News & Media
25%
Academia
6%
Less common in
Formal & Business
6%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, while the phrase "hold time" is widely used across various domains like science, news, and academia, Ludwig AI marks it as grammatically incorrect. It typically functions as a noun phrase specifying a duration. Though pervasive, especially in technical and customer service contexts, alternatives such as "time on hold", "waiting period", or "retention time" often offer improved clarity and grammatical correctness. Therefore, while understanding its common usage is valuable, opting for clearer alternatives is advisable, particularly in formal writing.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
time on hold
This alternative is more grammatically correct while still keeping the original meaning.
waiting period
This alternative refers to the duration of waiting, emphasizing the time spent in a waiting state.
retention time
Suggests a specific duration for maintaining or keeping something in a particular state or condition.
dwell time
This term often refers to the duration something remains in a specific condition or location.
incubation period
Refers to the time between exposure to an infection and the appearance of the first symptoms.
cooling period
Denotes the time allowed for something to cool down.
pause duration
Specifies the length of a pause or break.
delay duration
Focuses on the length of a delay before something happens.
waiting duration
Emphasizes the length of time someone or something waits.
suspension period
Refers to the length of time something is suspended or put on hold.
FAQs
What does "hold time" mean in a customer service context?
In customer service, "hold time" typically refers to the amount of time a customer spends waiting on the phone to speak with a representative. A more grammatically correct phrase is "time on hold".
How is "hold time" used in scientific research?
In scientific contexts, "hold time" can refer to the duration a sample is maintained under specific conditions, such as temperature or pressure. It's crucial to specify the context, for example "temperature hold time" or "pressure hold time".
What are some alternatives to "hold time" in technical writing?
Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "retention time", "dwell time", or "waiting period". Choose the phrase that best reflects the specific meaning you want to convey.
Is "hold time" grammatically correct?
While commonly used, "hold time" is not strictly grammatically correct. It's often better to use phrases like "time on hold" or "waiting time" for improved grammatical accuracy and clarity.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
3.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested