keep hold of

USAGE SUMMARY

"keep hold of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which you want someone to make sure to retain possession or control of something. For example, "Make sure to keep hold of the keys so you don't lose them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lastly, keep hold of the paperwork.

The Guardian - Money

We must remember and keep hold of that.

The Guardian

United can't keep hold of the ball at the moment.

The Guardian - Sport

Wales could not keep hold of the ball.

The Guardian - Sport

If you can keep hold of it, you're O.K".

The New York Times

Whitehall would keep hold of the big services—health, education, law and order.

The Economist

We have to show some ambition and keep hold of them as well as signing players.

Independent

But Chale isn't receiving the funding it needs to keep hold of its residents.

Independent

Hazard is the model foal, and Gladbach are desperate to keep hold of him.

Independent

How exactly can you survive student life and keep hold of your sanity?

Independent

So I would be absolutely desperate to keep hold of him".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep hold of", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being retained, whether it's a physical object, an abstract concept, or a position. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "keep hold of" interchangeably with phrases like "keep up with" or "keep in touch with", as they have distinct meanings. "Keep hold of" is about maintaining possession, while the others refer to progress or communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep hold of" functions as a phrasal verb, typically used to indicate the action of maintaining possession or control over something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Examples in Ludwig show its application in contexts ranging from physical objects to abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keep hold of" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrasal verb used to express the action of maintaining possession or control. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for a wide range of contexts, from everyday conversations to news reports. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media sources. While there are many semantically similar alternatives, such as "retain possession of" or "hold on to", understanding the nuances of each can help you choose the most appropriate expression for your specific needs. Remember to use the phrase to talk about concrete possession or control of something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hold on to

A more general and versatile synonym, similar in meaning and usage.

hang on to

Informal way to suggest maintaining one's hold, control or connection.

retain possession of

Focuses on formally maintaining ownership or control.

maintain control over

Highlights the aspect of controlling something or someone.

preserve one's grip on

Emphasizes the effort to maintain a strong hold, often against opposition.

cling to

Suggests holding on tightly, often due to fear of losing something.

maintain one's grasp

Focuses on preserving one's ability to influence.

securely grasp

Highlights the firmness and stability of the hold.

not let go of

Emphasizes the act of refusing to release something.

defend one's hold

Implies protecting one's position or possession from being taken.

FAQs

How can I use "keep hold of" in a sentence?

You can use "keep hold of" when you want to say that someone should maintain possession of something, like "Make sure you keep hold of the tickets" or "They are trying to keep hold of their lead in the game".

What's a less common way to say "keep hold of"?

Alternatives to "keep hold of" include "retain possession of" or "preserve one's grip on", though these may sound more formal depending on the situation.

Is it better to say "keep hold of" or "hold on to"?

"Keep hold of" and "hold on to" are largely interchangeable. The choice often comes down to personal preference or what sounds more natural in the specific context. Both are commonly used.

When should I avoid using "keep hold of"?

Avoid using "keep hold of" when you mean to maintain pace or stay informed. In those cases, use phrases like "keep up with" or "keep abreast of" instead, as "keep hold of" specifically refers to maintaining possession.