holding when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "holding when" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to refer to a specific condition or situation, but without additional context, it is unclear how to use it appropriately. Example: "I was holding when the call dropped."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

What differentiates a cigarette lighter Roosevelt was holding when he was assassinated from an exact copy?

The Guardian - Books

And here, in one corner, was the very telephone that Fellini must have been holding when he collapsed in this room just before his death.

The New York Times - Travel

"It's more fun than the opera glasses Lincoln was holding when he was shot," Forbes declared, adding, "And we have those, too".

The New Yorker

The cards Hickok had been holding when he was shot and killed a pair of black aces and a pair of black eights plus an unknown fifth card became known as the "Dead Man's Hand".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yashin should benefit this season from the N.H.L.'s aim to reduce obstruction, although Yashin said he would believe there would be less hooking and holding when he saw it.

The New York Times - Sports

Every duffer knows that two pairs, aces and eights, is called "The Dead Man's Hand" because those were the cards Wild Bill Hickok was holding when shot from behind by an assassin named Crooked Nose Jack McCall.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Sharapova holds when Bouchard nets a forehand.

The Guardian - Sport

He holds when Monfils misses a forehand.

The Guardian - Sport

He holds when Verdasco nets a return.

The Guardian - Sport

Bouchard holds when Sharapova nets a backhand.

The Guardian - Sport

holds when.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Replace "holding when" with clearer alternatives such as "while holding", "during the hold", or "as one holds" to improve grammatical correctness and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "holding when" to describe past events. Instead, use past continuous forms like "was holding when" or rephrase to use a simple past tense construction such as "held... when."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "holding when" primarily functions as a relative clause attempting to specify the timing or circumstances surrounding an action. However, it often results in grammatically incorrect sentences. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is not correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "holding when" appears in a variety of sources, including news and scientific articles, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect. It attempts to describe a concurrent action or state related to the act of holding, but it is not recommended for formal or professional writing. More suitable alternatives include "while holding", "during the hold", and "as one holds". Using these alternatives ensures clarity and grammatical correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

while holding

Focuses on the simultaneous action of holding something, improving clarity.

during the hold

Emphasizes the period of holding rather than the action itself.

at the moment of holding

Highlights a precise instant when something is held.

in the act of holding

Stresses the process of holding something, making it more descriptive.

upon holding

Indicates an immediate action following the act of holding.

as one holds

Describes a general manner or state while someone is holding something.

while in possession

Highlights the state of possessing something at the time of an event, shifting focus from the action of holding.

during retention

Focuses on the period something is retained, which is a more formal phrasing.

at the time of possession

Refers specifically to the moment something is possessed, adding precision.

under custody

Implies something is being held securely or officially, adding a sense of control or security.

FAQs

How can I correct the phrase "holding when"?

To correct "holding when", consider using phrases like "while holding", "during the hold", or "as one holds", depending on the context. These alternatives provide better grammatical structure and clarity.

What does "holding when" imply?

The phrase "holding when" generally suggests a simultaneous action or state, indicating something that occurs while someone is holding something. However, it's grammatically incorrect and lacks clarity.

When is it appropriate to use "holding when"?

It is generally not appropriate to use "holding when" in formal writing due to its grammatical incorrectness. Opt for clearer and grammatically sound alternatives like "while holding" or "during the hold".

Which is the correct phrase, "holding when" or "held when"?

"Held when" is grammatically superior to "holding when", particularly when describing past events. However, using phrases like "while holding" or "as one held" is recommended for improved clarity and correctness.