holds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "holds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate possession, support, or maintenance of a particular state or condition. Example: "The committee holds the responsibility for overseeing the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Greece, like all IMF members, holds reserves from the IMF and must pay interest if those holdings are not kept at a certain level.

The Guardian - Business

So when a white person holds objectionable views — racism, for example — we rightly condemn them.

The New York Times

The same is true of refinancing at a different bank from the one that currently holds your mortgage, or trying to persuade a new bank to give you a business loan.

The Economist

The library at Worcester Cathedral was founded in Saxon times and today holds a fine collection of medieval manuscripts, post-medieval books and archive documents.

The Guardian - Travel

Once popular for wedding receptions and baptism parties, the hotel's pool now holds only a few inches of stagnant rainwater, and a stream of exhausted international aid workers has replaced the celebrations.

The Guardian

"We might try and adopt a quick technological fix but one that holds the worst impacts for a few decades without much attention to what happens after that.

The Guardian

The rooms look a bit like stone thatched wigwams, some with private terraces, but it's the drama of the cliff-edge dotted with diving platforms that holds everyone's attention, alternately tempting and terrifying.

The Guardian - Travel

Lukashenko has toed a delicate line over the years, trying to assert his nation's independence of Russia while conscious of the power that Vladimir Putin holds over him.

The Guardian

If those responses are a concern for Preston fans they can take encouragement from the warm words Beckford had for Grayson, whom he first worked under at Leeds and clearly holds in high regard.

The Guardian - Sport

That has implications enough for the church in the inner city, but what are the ramifications in the countryside where, for a thousand years, the Church of England has often been the institution that holds rural communities together?

The Guardian

Alliance holds the balance of power on Belfast city council and has been arguing that the policy is in direct contradiction of the power sharing executive at Stormont and its aim for a shared future in Northern Ireland.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "holds", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you mean physical possession, abstract control, or maintaining a certain state. Choosing the correct nuance enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "holds" excessively in formal writing when more precise verbs like "possesses", "maintains", or "retains" would better convey the intended meaning. Varied vocabulary improves stylistic quality.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "holds" is as a verb. Ludwig's examples show it functions as a third-person singular present tense form, indicating an action performed by a single entity. It describes actions like possessing, containing, or maintaining a state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "holds" is a versatile verb used to describe possession, containment, or maintenance of a particular state. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in News & Media contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, careful attention to nuance and context is crucial to ensure appropriate usage. Consider alternatives like "possesses", "contains", or "maintains" to enhance clarity and stylistic variety. Avoid overuse in formal settings when more precise vocabulary would better convey your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

possesses

Indicates ownership or control, similar to "holds" but often implies a more formal or legal context.

contains

Focuses on the act of including something within, akin to "holds" in terms of physical or abstract containment.

maintains

Emphasizes the act of keeping something in a particular state or condition, analogous to "holds" in sustaining something.

retains

Suggests keeping or continuing to have something, resembling "holds" in the sense of not losing possession.

accommodates

Implies having the capacity to contain or include, similar to "holds" in a spatial or logistical sense.

exercises

Indicates the use of power or authority, comparable to "holds" when referring to control or influence.

preserves

Highlights the act of keeping something safe or intact, related to "holds" in the sense of maintaining a certain state.

secures

Emphasizes the act of making something safe or protected, similar to "holds" in terms of ensuring stability or possession.

carries

Suggests the act of supporting or bearing something, akin to "holds" in a physical or metaphorical sense.

supports

Implies providing assistance or upholding something, related to "holds" in the sense of maintaining or sustaining.

FAQs

How can I use "holds" in a sentence?

You can use "holds" to describe possession, like "The company "holds the patent"", or to describe something containing something else, such as "This container "holds water"".

What can I say instead of "holds"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "possesses", "contains", or "maintains".

Which is correct, "holds" or "is holding"?

Both "holds" and "is holding" can be correct, depending on the context. "Holds" often describes a general state or fact, while "is holding" typically describes an action happening now. For example, "The bank holds the money" vs. "She is holding the baby".

What's the difference between "holds" and "withholds"?

"Holds" means to possess or contain, while "withholds" means to keep something back or refuse to give it. They are antonyms in many contexts.