holding off

USAGE SUMMARY

"holding off" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrasal verb that typically means to delay taking action, to refrain from doing something for the time being. Example sentence: She decided to hold off on buying a new car for the time being.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The rain was holding off.

The New York Times

They're holding off.

The Guardian

(Most states are holding off until 2015).

The Economist

Now, it is holding off.

The New York Times

He's holding off on the new car.

The New York Times

Mr. Hagel made a last stab at holding off violence.

The New York Times

Carl Edwards finished second, holding off a charging Kyle Busch.

The New York Times

Holding off Mr Trump there is obligatory for him.

Independent

We're holding off so far on the key-lime pie.

The Economist

Japan won the silver in 3 31.26, holding off Australia.

The New York Times - Sports

Some of her reasons for holding off defy conventional categories.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "holding off" when you want to clearly communicate a temporary delay or postponement, especially when the reason for the delay is strategic or uncertain. For instance, "The company is holding off on new investments until the market stabilizes."

Common error

Avoid using "holding off" if the delay is indefinite or permanent. The phrase implies a temporary pause, not a complete cessation. For example, instead of saying "They are holding off on the project indefinitely", it's better to say "They have suspended the project indefinitely."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "holding off" is as a phrasal verb, functioning as a verb phrase that describes the act of delaying or postponing an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "holding off" is a versatile and commonly used phrasal verb that signifies a temporary delay or postponement. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and finds frequent application across diverse contexts, notably in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives like "deferring" might be preferred in specific settings. Usage guidance emphasizes using "holding off" for temporary delays and avoiding it when the suspension is indefinite. Remember that clarity is key when employing this phrase. As Ludwig examples indicate, reputable sources like The New York Times and The Economist frequently use "holding off", solidifying its status as a reliable and effective phrase in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

putting off

A more informal and general way of saying delaying.

postponing

This alternative focuses on delaying something to a later time.

delaying

Similar to postponing, but often implies a temporary suspension.

deferring

Implies a more formal or official postponement.

suspending

Suggests a temporary interruption with the intention of resuming later.

refraining from

Highlights the act of abstaining from doing something.

desisting from

Emphasizes ceasing or abstaining from an action.

abstaining from

Similar to refraining from, indicating a deliberate choice not to do something.

resisting

Focuses on actively fighting against something, instead of delaying an action.

staying one's hand

A more figurative way of expressing restraint or delay.

FAQs

How can I use "holding off" in a sentence?

"Holding off" is used to indicate a delay or postponement. For example, "The government is holding off on making a decision until more data is available."

What's a good alternative to "holding off"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "postponing", "delaying", or "putting off".

What does it mean to "hold off" someone or something?

To "hold off" someone or something can mean to delay them, resist them, or keep them at bay. For example, "The soldiers were able to hold off the enemy attack."

Is "holding off" formal or informal?

"Holding off" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "deferring" might be preferred in some professional settings.