hold together

USAGE SUMMARY

"hold together" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something staying intact or staying in close association with each other. For example: "The family held together in the face of adversity".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Despite this, the coalition will hold together.

The Economist

Except tissue, it won't hold together.

The New York Times

Mixture should just hold together when squeezed.

The New York Times

The logic doesn't hold together too well.

The New York Times

"The third act doesn't quite hold together.

The New York Times - Arts

Most hold together, but some don't.

The New York Times - Food

We've been able to hold together.

The New York Times

You need some things for a country to hold together".

The New Yorker

"People are heaped together, but they do not hold together".

The New Yorker

But can the whole thing hold together for that period?

The Economist

"Iraq as a country will not hold together," he said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hold together" when you want to convey the idea of maintaining unity, structural integrity, or functional stability, whether in physical or abstract contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "hold together" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise and sophisticated vocabulary might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "maintain structural integrity" or "preserve cohesion" for greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold together" functions primarily as a phrasal verb. It signifies the ability to maintain unity, cohesion, or structural integrity, whether in a physical or abstract sense. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

18%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hold together" is a versatile phrasal verb that conveys the idea of maintaining unity, cohesion, or structural integrity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts, although it may be less suitable for highly formal writing. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources, followed by wiki entries and scientific publications. When choosing alternatives, consider nuances like physical intactness ("remain intact") or active unity ("stick together") to best reflect your intended meaning. Remember that "hold together" functions as an active element that brings cohesion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not fall apart

Negatively emphasizes the avoidance of disintegration or failure.

cohere

Emphasizes the act of sticking together tightly or exhibiting logical consistency.

remain intact

Focuses on the state of being undamaged or unbroken, emphasizing physical integrity.

maintain cohesion

Stresses the preservation of internal unity and structural integrity.

stay united

Highlights the aspect of unity and cohesion, especially in social or political contexts.

resist disintegration

Specifically addresses the prevention of breaking down into smaller parts.

stick together

Emphasizes loyalty and mutual support, particularly in difficult situations.

keep afloat

Implies surviving or managing to continue functioning, often in challenging circumstances.

stand firm

Conveys resilience and resistance to external pressures, emphasizing unwavering stability.

endure

Highlights the capacity to withstand hardship and last over time.

FAQs

How can I use "hold together" in a sentence?

You can use "hold together" to describe physical objects, relationships, or even abstract concepts. For instance, "The old building managed to "not fall apart" during the earthquake" or "Their friendship helped them "stay united" through difficult times".

What are some alternatives to "hold together"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "remain intact", "stay united", or "maintain cohesion" as alternatives to "hold together".

Which is correct, "hold together" or "holding together"?

"Hold together" is the base form of the verb phrase. "Holding together" is the present participle form, used in continuous tenses (e.g., "The team is holding together well") or as a gerund (e.g., "Holding together requires effort").

What's the difference between "hold together" and "stick together"?

While both convey unity, "hold together" often refers to physical or structural integrity or general cohesion. "Stick together" implies a more active choice to support and remain loyal to one another, especially during difficult times.