it is held up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is held up" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is being supported or delayed, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "The project is currently held up due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

It is held up at every stage from getting formal approval to finding the right hospital.

The Economist

Once erected, it is held up by counterweights formed of enormous water-filled balloons.

The New York Times - Arts

It is held up by two supports that look like giant, handmade mallets.

The Economist

It is held up as the poster child for the brave new world of synbio.

The Guardian

"Even to this day, it is held up as the bad example".

The New York Times

It is held up by pillars of stone that miners leave standing as they dig out adjoining chambers of coal.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Apparently it is holding up pretty well.

The Guardian - Film

"But it is holding up as a tourist destination".

The New York Times

This is an aria that explicitly admits it is holding up the action.

The Guardian - Music

But the latest figures for factory orders suggest it is holding up pretty well.

The New Yorker

Ban pays occasional visits to the poet's library to see how it is holding up.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is held up" to describe a delay, specify the reason for the delay to provide clarity. For example, "The project is held up due to unforeseen circumstances".

Common error

Avoid using "it is held up" when an active voice construction would be more direct and clear. For example, instead of "The meeting is held up by John," consider "John is holding up the meeting."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is held up" functions primarily as a passive construction, indicating that something is being supported or delayed by an external force or circumstance. Ludwig confirms its usability in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

18%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Academia

9%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is held up" functions as a passive construction with common usage, particularly in News & Media, to describe support, delay, or presentation of something. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of this phrase, indicating it follows standard grammar rules. When writing, it's beneficial to specify the reason for any delay and be mindful of active voice alternatives for directness. The phrase maintains a neutral register, appropriate for various contexts. Consider alternatives like "it is supported" or "it is delayed" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is supported

Focuses on the aspect of physical or metaphorical support.

it is delayed

Highlights the aspect of being postponed or slowed down.

it is sustained

Emphasizes the continuation or maintenance of something.

it is maintained

Focuses on the preservation of a certain state or condition.

it is bolstered

Highlights the strengthening or reinforcement of something.

it is championed

Focuses on the advocacy or promotion of something.

it is showcased

Emphasizes the presentation or display of something.

it is exemplified

Highlights the representation of something as a typical example.

it is upheld

Focuses on maintaining or defending a principle or decision.

it is obstructed

Highlights the aspect of something being blocked or hindered.

FAQs

How can I use "it is held up" in a sentence?

You can use "it is held up" to describe something being supported, like "The bridge is held up by strong pillars", or something being delayed, such as "The shipment is held up at customs".

What is a synonym for "it is held up" when referring to a delay?

When "it is held up" refers to a delay, you can use alternatives like "it is delayed", "it is postponed", or "it is stalled".

Is it correct to say "it is holded up" instead of "it is held up"?

No, "it is holded up" is grammatically incorrect. The correct passive form uses the past participle "held", so the correct phrase is "it is held up".

What does "it is held up as" mean?

When something is "held up as" something else, it means it's being presented or used as an example or model. For example, "it is held up as a success story" means it's being shown as an example of success.