hold up well

USAGE SUMMARY

"hold up well" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that remains in good condition despite being used for a long period of time or despite facing difficult situations. For example: "These shoes are five years old, but they still hold up well."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"They really do hold up well".

The New York Times

Fertilized human eggs, however, hold up well.

The New York Times - Health

Other songs hold up well, too.

The New Yorker

But it doesn't hold up well.

The New York Times - Arts

Freedom Industries did not hold up well under scrutiny.

The New Yorker

I knew the leftovers would hold up well for days.

The New York Times

"They won't hold up well in combat," he said.

The New York Times

Baked goods do not hold up well in storage.

The New York Times - Arts

"We're confident it will hold up well," Rhoads said Tuesday.

The New York Times - Sports

Stephen Schwartz's music and lyrics largely hold up well.

The New York Times

Julia Child likes Golden Delicious because they hold up well.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hold up well" when you want to convey that something or someone maintains its quality, strength, or effectiveness over time or under pressure. It's suitable for describing physical objects, arguments, or even abstract concepts.

Common error

While "hold up well" is versatile, consider more casual alternatives like "still works great" or "is still good" in very informal settings to avoid sounding overly formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold up well" functions as a verb phrase, often used to describe the ability of something to maintain its quality, effectiveness, or structural integrity over time or under challenging conditions. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hold up well" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe something that maintains its quality or effectiveness over time or under pressure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently found in diverse contexts, especially News & Media. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to consider your audience and opt for more casual alternatives in informal situations. To enhance your writing, consider synonyms like "stand the test of time" or "remain in good condition" to add nuance to your message. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively use "hold up well" in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stand the test of time

This alternative emphasizes the ability to remain relevant or valuable over a long period.

withstand scrutiny

This suggests an ability to remain valid even under close examination or criticism.

maintain its integrity

This focuses on preserving the original state or quality without degradation.

remain in good condition

A general way of saying that something continues to be in a satisfactory state.

prove durable

Highlights the aspect of long-lasting quality and resistance to wear and tear.

endure challenges

Focuses on overcoming difficulties and remaining strong despite adversity.

fare well

A more general term implying success and positive outcome over a period of time.

remain robust

Indicates the ability to stay strong and healthy, even in adverse conditions.

keep its value

Emphasizes the preservation of worth or importance.

hold its own

Implies maintaining a position or status despite competition or difficulties.

FAQs

How can I use "hold up well" in a sentence?

You can use "hold up well" to describe something that maintains its quality or effectiveness over time. For example: "These old jeans really "hold up well", even after years of use."

What are some alternatives to "hold up well"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "stand the test of time", "remain in good condition", or "prove durable".

Is it grammatically correct to say "held up well"?

Yes, "held up well" is the past tense of "hold up well" and is grammatically correct. For example: "The bridge "held up well" during the storm."

What does it mean when something "doesn't hold up well"?

If something "doesn't hold up well", it means it deteriorates or becomes less effective over time or under pressure. For example: "The argument "does not hold up well" under scrutiny."