holding space

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "holding space" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used in contexts related to emotional support, mindfulness, or creating a safe environment for others to express themselves. Example: "During our group therapy session, I focused on holding space for each participant to share their feelings without judgment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

"Art is about seizing and holding space," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

The SOGAs applied in clinical practice were activity specific holding space for relevant documentation.

International Journal of Medical Informatics

"One of the things the teacher is doing is creating a holding space for that.

The New Yorker

It's not good enough to create a holding space to preserve the archive.

The Guardian - Opinion

During the rainy season, The holding space on the staircase can hold and slow the water flow.

Columbia University

This creates a holding space for the tensioned structural layer, which supports the layers of billowing lacework.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Holding Spaces for Courage, Love, Listening.

HuffPost

You cannot use the foundation squares as holding spaces for cards.

WikiHow

Mr. Bigelow holds space ambitions of his own.

The New York Times - Science

"I hold space to be something merely relative, as time is;..

The New York Times - Books

The line of pink boxes in the middle is hold space.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical or architectural contexts, clarify whether you are referring to physical space or an abstract concept such as data storage, and provide specific, concrete examples.

Common error

Avoid using "holding space" solely in a literal, physical sense when the context implies emotional or conceptual support. If referring to physical space, ensure the language is specific to area or location to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "holding space" functions primarily as a verbal phrase acting as a noun, often describing the act of creating or maintaining a safe or supportive environment. Examples from Ludwig show it used to describe teacher-student interactions, community building, and personal support.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

27%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "holding space" is a commonly used phrase that describes the act of creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment or the preserving of resources. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and adaptable across a wide array of contexts, from news and media to academic and personal settings. When using "holding space", ensure the context clarifies whether you're referring to emotional support, physical area, or conceptual preservation. For alternatives, consider "creating a safe environment" or "offering emotional support", depending on your specific needs. Overall, "holding space" is a valuable phrase in modern communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

creating a safe environment

Focuses on the aspect of safety and security within the space.

offering emotional support

Highlights the emotional support aspect of holding space.

providing a supportive atmosphere

Emphasizes the overall feeling and environment.

preserving a cultural archive

Focuses on the preservation aspect, especially in cultural contexts.

maintaining an area

Highlights the act of keeping or maintaining physical space.

actively listening

Focuses on listening, one of the actions that can be done to hold space.

showing empathy

Focuses on empathizing, one of the actions that can be done to hold space.

being present

Highlights the importance of being fully there for someone.

fostering understanding

Emphasizes the creation of understanding between parties.

allowing room for growth

Focuses on providing space and encouragement for personal development.

FAQs

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

You can use "holding space" to describe creating a supportive environment, as in, "The teacher was skilled at holding space for students to express their concerns." It can also refer to preserving physical space, such as, "The new archive is designed for holding space for historical documents."

What does it mean to "hold space" for someone?

To "hold space" for someone means to be present with them, listen without judgment, and offer support without trying to fix their problems. It involves creating a safe and empathetic environment for them to express themselves fully.

What can I say instead of "holding space"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "creating a safe environment", "offering emotional support", or "providing a supportive atmosphere".

Is "holding space" a commonly accepted phrase?

Yes, "holding space" is a commonly accepted phrase, especially in contexts related to emotional support, mindfulness, and community building. Ludwig's AI confirms its correctness and usability in English.