it must hold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it must hold" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when stating that a certain condition or principle is required to be true or valid in a given context. Example: "For the theorem to be valid, it must hold that all variables are non-negative."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

It must hold its consistency for weeks despite the collaborative efforts of ice's enemies, from the obvious (the sun, sharp objects and thundering 1,400-pound 1,400-poundo the not-so-obobsledsopen arena doors, spectothes and spinning 90-pound figure skaters).

The New York Times - Sports

If the answer is yes, then it must hold its nerve, keep the option of including shipping in the ETS as leverage, and hold IMO to account.

HuffPost

It must hold fast to its commitment to upholding the democratic values that shape the spirit of this great country.

The Guardian - Opinion

In this new world, it must hold true to its vision: to transform what can be the arbitrary exercise of power by the executive into a more transparent process in which parliament plays a bigger role.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it must hold for a while yet.

The Economist

If Hamas wants Israel to keep negotiating, it must hold fire.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

No matter how you do it, you must hold yourself accountable.

Vice

As it retrenches, Chrysler must hold down engineering costs.

The New York Times

Reading between the lines, it seems Israelis must hold one of three views.

The New York Times

Can't quite get clear of the lone defenceman but SHOOTS IT — and Backstrom must hold for the faceoff.

The New York Times

If Greece does not put its own house in order, the European Union must hold it accountable.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it must hold" when expressing a logical necessity or a condition that is essential for a particular outcome. Ensure that the 'it' clearly refers to a defined subject or concept within the context.

Common error

Avoid using "it must hold" in situations where a simple prediction or expectation is sufficient. Opt for phrases like "it should hold" or "it is likely to hold" when expressing a less certain outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it must hold" primarily functions as a modal phrase expressing necessity or requirement. As Ludwig AI indicates, it asserts that a condition, principle, or assumption is essential for a statement or argument to be valid. Ludwig examples show usage across varied domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it must hold" is a versatile expression used to indicate a necessary condition or requirement, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. With significant presence in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, its usage spans diverse fields. The phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted, as shown by numerous examples from authoritative sources. For alternative expressions, consider "it is required to hold" or "it needs to hold" for different levels of formality. When employing the phrase, ensure that the subject ('it') is clearly defined and avoid using it in place of simpler predictive statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is required to hold

Replaces the modal verb "must" with a more formal and explicit expression of requirement.

it is necessary to hold

Similar to "it is required to hold", but emphasizes the necessity of the condition.

it is essential that it holds

Highlights the essential nature of the condition being true.

it needs to hold

A more informal way of expressing the necessity for something to be true.

it is imperative that it holds

Stresses the urgency and importance of the condition.

it is vital that it holds

Similar to 'it is imperative', but emphasizes the life-or-death importance of the condition.

it has to hold

An informal alternative conveying a sense of obligation or necessity.

it should hold

Indicates a weaker sense of obligation or expectation compared to "must".

it is expected to hold

Focuses on the expectation that a certain condition will be true.

it is supposed to hold

Similar to 'it is expected to hold', but suggests a pre-existing plan or arrangement.

FAQs

How can I use "it must hold" in a sentence?

Use "it must hold" to express a necessary condition or logical consequence. For example, "For the equation to be valid, "it must hold" that all variables are positive".

What phrases can I use instead of "it must hold"?

Alternatives include "it is required to hold", "it is necessary to hold", or "it needs to hold" depending on the formality of the context.

Is "it must hold true" grammatically different from "it must hold"?

While both are grammatically correct, "it must hold true" emphasizes the truth aspect more directly, while "it must hold" implies a broader validity or applicability. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "it must hold" in formal writing?

"It must hold" is suitable for formal writing when discussing logical conditions, mathematical principles, or legal requirements where a condition is absolutely necessary for a conclusion or action to be valid. For example, discussing conditions in a scientific paper or a legal agreement.