it has held

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it has held" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something has maintained a certain state or position over time. Example: "The theory has held true despite numerous challenges and criticisms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It has held its secrets for two millenniums.

The New York Times

Goldman, too, is suffering in this downturn, but it has held its investment banking pre-eminence.

The New York Times

"It has held its arms wide open for the broadest section of humanity.

BBC

What matters is that it has held its own against, or within, the humanity-consuming system.

Los Angeles Times

And it has held talks about shedding its 35 percent stake in Japan's Softbank.

The New York Times

Debenhams, which is deep in debt, adds that it has held "constructive discussions" with its lenders.

The Guardian - Business

Traditionally, it has held itself at arm's length from its mighty neighbour's foreign-policy goals.

The Economist

But it has held up.

The New York Times

Until now, it has held up better.

The New York Times

It has held pretty fair elections.

The Economist

It has held up remarkably well.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it has held", ensure the subject (the 'it') is clearly defined and understood in the context. This prevents ambiguity and enhances clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "it has held" when referring to a brief or instantaneous action. This phrase is most effective when describing a condition or state that has been maintained over a significant period.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "it has held" is to act as a verb phrase in the present perfect tense. This construction indicates an action that started in the past and continues to the present, or has relevance to the present. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it has held" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression used to describe the continuation of a state, condition, or possession over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in News & Media, and is suitable for both formal and informal writing. When using "it has held", ensure that the subject ('it') is clearly defined and that the timeframe aligns with the intended meaning. Alternatives like "it has maintained" or "it has retained" can be used to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has maintained

Focuses on the continuation of a certain state or condition.

it has retained

Emphasizes keeping something that was previously possessed.

it has preserved

Highlights the act of protecting something from damage or change.

it has sustained

Indicates the ability to support or uphold something over a period.

it has kept

A simpler alternative, focusing on the action of holding onto something.

it has upheld

Implies supporting or defending something, like a principle or law.

it has defended

Focuses on protecting something from attack or criticism.

it has secured

Highlights the act of making something safe or protected.

it has guarded

Emphasizes the act of protecting something against potential threats.

it has possessed

Highlights ownership or control of something.

FAQs

How can I use "it has held" in a sentence?

You can use "it has held" to describe something that has maintained a certain position, condition, or state over time. For example, "The company "it has held" its market share despite increased competition."

What are some alternatives to "it has held"?

Alternatives include "it has maintained", "it has retained", or "it has preserved", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "it has held" formal or informal?

"It has held" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile phrase for various writing styles.

What's the difference between "it has held" and "it held"?

"It has held" implies a continuous action or state that began in the past and continues to the present, while "it held" refers to a completed action in the past. For example, "The dam "it has held" for 50 years" versus "The dam "it held" during the storm".