Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
holding response
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"holding response" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to express a reply or answer that is delayed or being withheld. Example sentence: "I can't give you an answer until I consult with my manager; I'm sorry, that's my holding response for now."
✓ Grammatically correct
Alternative expressions(20)
interim response
temporary answer
deferred response
provisional reply
standby reply
placeholder answer
delayed reply
awaiting information
still under review
maintain response
retention response
holding responses
placeholder response
temporary reply
organizing response
business response
awaiting further information
organized response
preliminary reply
acknowledgment response
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
60 human-written examples
The DOD likewise holds response authority at certain non-National Priority List (NPL) [21] sites for non-emergency remedial and removal actions.
Certain "buck-passing" accounts hold the normative reduction claim without response-dependency, whereas dispositional theories, including certain forms of sentimentalism, hold response-dependency without reducing value to another normative notion.
Science
Asked how it plans to distinguish its app from Android's built-in text call reject feature, SayWhat sends me an email saying: "We'll get back to you shortly" – so you can't accuse them of not practising the text-based holding responses they are preaching.
News & Media
The FE model combined with the first-order Ogden model and the second-order Prony series is good enough for describing the compress-and-hold response of the nerve ultrastructures.
Science
In the HV group, similar breath-hold response levels were observed in both hemispheres and across sessions.
Science
Again, the beta weight in that voxel for that delay gave the breath-hold response in units of %BOLD signal change per mmHg change in end-tidal CO2.
Science
The final analysis, RHsig, provides a way of obtaining breath-hold response maps if the CO2 trace is unavailable or of too poor a quality to use.
Science
If an area of healthy tissue can be defined, the average BOLD response across that region provides a good model of the expected breath-hold response that can be included as a regressor in a GLM.
Science
The end-tidal CO2 measure provides an accurate model of the expected BOLD response for an individual patient, allowing for the different delays in the breath-hold response across varying brain regions.
Science
Delays in the breath-hold response in the L-PeriInfarct and L-Lesion masks are observed in the PT group at both the SPPS and CPPS time points (Fig. 3).
Science
The beta weight from the regression for each voxel gives the breath-hold response in that voxel in units of %BOLD signal change per mmHg change in end-tidal CO2.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "holding response" when you need to acknowledge a request or inquiry but cannot provide a complete answer immediately. This sets expectations for a follow-up.
Common error
Don't use "holding response" without indicating when a more detailed answer will be provided. Without a timeframe, it can leave the recipient feeling ignored.
Source & Trust
60%
Authority and reliability
3.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "holding response" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to describe a temporary or incomplete answer. Because Ludwig has not provided any exact matching example, we infer its usage from the individual meaning of its words.
Frequent in
Science
0%
News & Media
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Science
0%
News & Media
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "holding response" is a noun phrase used to describe a temporary or incomplete answer, often employed to acknowledge a request or inquiry while indicating that a more detailed response will follow. Given Ludwig's analysis, the phrase is grammatically correct and understandable, although actual examples are currently absent. When using this phrase, provide context about when a more complete response will be available to avoid ambiguity. While it is usable in many contexts, be mindful of the overall tone and audience of the message.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
interim response
Replaces "holding" with "interim", suggesting a temporary or provisional reply.
temporary answer
Substitutes both words to convey a short-term reply.
provisional reply
Emphasizes the conditional and non-final nature of the response.
standby reply
Suggests the response is ready but waiting to be released.
placeholder answer
Highlights the function of the response as filling a gap until a complete answer is available.
deferred response
Indicates the response has been postponed to a later time.
delayed reply
Directly states that the reply is not immediate.
awaiting information
Focuses on the reason for the delay: the need for further information.
still under review
Explains that the topic is currently being considered and a full response isn't possible yet.
no immediate answer
Simply states the unavailability of a direct response.
FAQs
How can I use "holding response" in a sentence?
You might say, "I can offer a /s/provisional+reply, but it's just a holding response until all the data is in."
What can I say instead of "holding response"?
You can use alternatives like "interim response", "temporary answer", or "deferred response" depending on the context.
Is "holding response" formal or informal?
The phrase "holding response" is generally neutral and can be used in professional or semi-formal contexts. Its suitability depends on the overall tone of your communication.
When is it appropriate to use a "holding response"?
Use a "holding response" when you need to acknowledge a request but require more time or information to provide a complete answer. It's essential to indicate a timeline or expected date for the full response.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
60%
Authority and reliability
3.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested