keep holding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep holding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when encouraging someone to maintain their grip or to continue waiting for something. Example: "Even though the situation is tough, I urge you to keep holding on to your dreams."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Keep holding the new element wire while keeping tension on the wire.

WikiHow

Keep holding it!

The New Yorker

The team's weak links keep holding the club back.

The Guardian - Sport

Now, he said, he wants to keep holding court.

The New York Times

That she just had to keep holding on.

The New York Times

"We will keep holding their feet to the fire".

The New York Times

Just keep holding your breath, holding your breath.

The New York Times

"Who made 'I'll Keep Holding On' a hit?

The New York Times

Why keep holding the Ersatz if you can get the real thing?

The Economist

If they keep holding out for a false jackpot, everyone will lose.

The New York Times

Mr. Foster said that type of progress was reason enough to keep holding the retreats.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions, use "keep holding" to ensure the subject maintains a certain position or action without interruption.

Common error

While both phrases suggest maintaining a hold, "keep holding" implies a continuous action, whereas "hold on" often serves as a request to wait or persevere in a difficult situation. Use "keep holding" for physical actions and "hold on" for metaphorical or abstract situations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "keep holding" is as a verb phrase, specifically a continuous action. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. The verb "keep" functions as an auxiliary verb modifying the main verb "holding", indicating continuous action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

44%

News & Media

44%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keep holding" is a grammatically sound and widely used verb phrase that instructs or encourages the continuation of a physical or metaphorical hold. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct for written English. Its usage spans various contexts, from providing physical support instructions on WikiHow to urging emotional perseverance in news articles. Alternatives such as "continue to hold" and "maintain your grip" offer similar meanings, while distinguishing it from "hold on", which often implies waiting or persevering. When using "keep holding", ensure its appropriateness for the intended context to maintain clarity and effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continue to hold

Emphasizes the continuation of the act of holding.

don't let go

A direct and emphatic way of saying "keep holding".

maintain your grip

Focuses on maintaining a physical hold or grasp.

keep a firm grip

Emphasizes the strength and security of the hold.

persist in holding

Highlights the persistence and determination in continuing to hold.

hold steadfastly

Implies a strong and unwavering commitment to holding.

sustain your hold

Implies maintaining a hold over a longer period.

preserve your grasp

Highlights the preservation of one's hold or understanding.

refrain from releasing

Focuses on the act of not letting go.

stay put

Suggests remaining in a current position or state.

FAQs

How can I use "keep holding" in a sentence?

You can use "keep holding" to instruct someone to maintain their grip, like in the sentence, "Keep holding the rope while I tie the knot." It can also be used more figuratively, like in this example, "Keep holding on to your dreams, even when things get tough."

What is a good alternative to "keep holding"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "keep holding" include phrases like "continue to hold", "maintain your grip", or "don't let go".

Is it correct to say "kept holding"?

Yes, "kept holding" is the past tense form of "keep holding" and is grammatically correct. For example, "She kept holding the door open for the others."

What's the difference between "keep holding" and "hold on"?

While both phrases involve maintaining a hold, "keep holding" generally refers to maintaining a physical grip or position. "Hold on", on the other hand, is often used as a request to wait or to persevere during a difficult time.