holding

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "holding" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as both a noun and a verb. For example: Noun: The holding company owns controlling stakes in a number of smaller businesses. Verb: She was holding her breath while waiting for the results.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But no one is holding their breath.

The Guardian

I'm not holding my breath.

The New York Times

In the Runyon original, the tiny tot dances whenever she can, "holding her little short skirt up in her hands".

The Guardian - Film

There is also a telephone to which only the band's ex-members have the number: if it rings and a museum-goer picks it up, they will find themselves in the disconcerting position of holding a conversation with one of Abba while standing in front of a vast floor-to ceiling photograph of Abba.

The Guardian - Music

Tony Abbott is holding firm against calls to send Australian medical experts to west Africa to help contain the Ebola virus, saying that other countries have yet to give firm commitments to assist in evacuations.

The Guardian

The women of Egypt are holding their breath.

The Guardian

This video shows an innocent man at a bus stop, holding a takeaway pizza box, when a group of men drive by and snatch it from his hands.

The Guardian

The database holding the programs had been accessed more than 20,000 times, but there is no evidence that they have ever been deployed for use beyond GCHQ staff.

The Guardian

It's early days, so Pisani is continuing to cook the school caterer Ashlyns' menus, while trialling new dishes and holding tasting sessions.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

On Tuesday, the Guardian reported a further complaint made against the lieutenant in September 2013 by Andrew McAleer, the husband of Rice's former partner Karyn McAleer, who alleged he witnessed Rice holding Karyn's stolen mail and attempting to throw it into a public garbage can.

The Guardian

But she said the outright denial was exacerbated at Chicago's secretive interrogation and holding facility: "It's very, very rare for anyone to experience their constitutional rights in Chicago police custody, and even more so at Homan Square," Solowiej said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "holding" in the context of possession, ensure clarity regarding what is being held and the purpose of holding it. For example, specify "holding a meeting" or "holding shares" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "holding" vaguely. Be precise: are you referring to physical possession, a belief, or an event? Clear context is crucial.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "holding" is as a present participle, often used to form continuous verb tenses (e.g., "They are holding a meeting"). Ludwig confirms its correct and varied usage in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Lifestyle

25%

Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "holding" is a versatile word with correct and frequent usage as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions primarily as a present participle, serving various communicative purposes across neutral registers. As Ludwig examples demonstrate, it's commonly found in news, lifestyle, and business contexts, indicating actions, events, or states. When using "holding", ensure clarity by specifying the object or event being held, and avoid vagueness to maintain effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Retaining

Focuses on keeping something in one's possession or state.

Keeping

A general term for retaining possession or control.

Maintaining

Emphasizes the continuation of a state or condition.

Sustaining

Focuses on supporting or maintaining something over time.

Preserving

Highlights the act of maintaining something in its original state.

Conducting

Suggests managing or carrying out an event or activity.

Administering

Implies managing or governing something.

Executing

Implies performing or carrying out a task or plan.

Organizing

Highlights the act of arranging or structuring.

Containing

Emphasizes the act of keeping something within limits.

FAQs

How to use "holding" in a sentence?

The word "holding" can be used in many contexts. As a verb, it can describe physical possession, like "She is "holding a book"". It can also refer to organizing or conducting something, such as "They are "holding a conference"".

What are some alternatives to the word "holding"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "retaining", "keeping", "maintaining", or "organizing".

What's the difference between "holding" and "keeping"?

"Holding" often implies a temporary state or action, while "keeping" suggests a more permanent or ongoing state of possession. For example, "holding an object" is temporary, but "keeping a secret" is ongoing.

Is it correct to say "holding strong"?

Yes, "holding strong" is a correct and commonly used phrase, particularly to describe maintaining a position or condition despite challenges or opposition.