hold to be

USAGE SUMMARY

"hold to be" is a correct expression in written English.
It can be used to express certainty or strong conviction about something. For example, "I hold to be true that laughter is an essential part of any good relationship."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

(He also discusses a few "trinities" or threefold processes which he doesn't hold to be images of the Trinity).

SEP

It is this sense of having control that many philosophers hold to be essential if an agent is to be morally responsible for his decision and action.

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Thus, in libertarian paternalism there is no attempt to contravene the will of individuals, in contrast to what some hold to be a necessary feature of paternalism.

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Carnapian analyticities do not therefore express propositions that we hold to be true unconditionally, but only propositions true relative to their own framework.

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Even a cursory acquaintance with the history of science will show that we are where we are now only through a persistent process of replacing beliefs we once held to be true, but no longer hold to be true.

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Similar remarks may apply to what some hold to be a further, possibly even more fundamental, role of abduction in linguistic practice, to wit, its role in determining what a speaker means by an utterance.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Still, the divergence was held to be relatively minor.

SEP

But fundamental principles are widely held to be non-contingent.

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Masses-as-sets can always be held to be sets of things, and plural reference can always be held to be reference to a number of things.

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Events are sometimes (though not always) held to be relatively coarse-grained, while facts and the others are held to be relatively fine.

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Every mental kind was held to be identical to some neural kind.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hold to be" when you want to express a strong, considered belief or opinion about something. It suggests a level of conviction that goes beyond a simple assumption.

Common error

While "hold to be" is grammatically sound, it can sound overly formal in everyday conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "believe" or "consider" when writing for a general audience to maintain a natural and approachable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold to be" functions as a verb phrase indicating a strong belief or conviction. It's used to express that something is considered true or valid based on one's judgment or understanding, as demonstrated in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hold to be" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to express a strong and considered belief. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is acceptable in written English and suggests a firm conviction. Although not extremely common, it finds its primary context within scientific and academic writing, indicating a formal tone. When choosing to use "hold to be", consider the strength of your conviction and the formality of your audience. Simpler alternatives like "believe" or "consider" may be more appropriate in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

believe to be

Directly states a belief about something's nature.

consider to be

Replaces "hold" with a more neutral verb, focusing on the act of considering.

view as

Highlights a specific perspective or interpretation.

understand as

Emphasizes comprehension or interpretation.

deem to be

Similar to "consider", but implies a more formal judgment.

regard as

Emphasizes viewing something in a particular light.

judge to be

Implies a formal evaluation or assessment.

conceive as

Focuses on the mental understanding or conceptualization.

presume to be

Indicates an assumption made without concrete proof.

take for

Suggests an assumption or initial impression.

FAQs

How can I use "hold to be" in a sentence?

You can use "hold to be" to express a strong belief or conviction about something. For example, "Many scientists "believe to be" that climate change is a serious threat".

What are some alternatives to "hold to be"?

Alternatives include phrases like "consider to be", "regard as", or ""believe to be"", which can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "hold to be" than "believe"?

Yes, "hold to be" is generally more formal than simply saying "believe". It implies a more considered and firm conviction.

What's the difference between "hold to be" and "consider to be"?

"Hold to be" suggests a stronger, more unwavering belief than "consider to be", which implies a more open-minded evaluation.