kept hold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept hold" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe an action whereby someone or something held on to something else. For example, "She kept hold of the rope as she tried to climb the wall."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He kept hold of me.

The Guardian - Books

Republicans kept hold of the House.

The Economist

He has kept hold of the starting job since.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Kennedy fell during that scuffle but kept hold of the baby.

The New York Times

I kept hold of Chance's leash and screamed at the owner, but she was frozen.

The New York Times

"I was in a cold room and kept hold of Lars Vilks's hand.

Independent

Had I kept hold of the £160,000 flat it would now be worth £2.5m".

The Guardian - Money

Celtic kept hold of their reared talent and won a European Cup.

The Guardian - Sport

But for some reason, instead of selling it Frost kept hold of it.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

They have also kept hold of Bafétimbi Gomis and signed some exciting talent.

The Guardian - Sport

She said: "I was in a cold room and kept hold of Lars Vilks's hand.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "kept hold", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being held and why it is important to maintain possession or control. This phrase is effective in both literal and figurative senses.

Common error

Avoid using "kept hold" in contexts where a more specific verb would better convey the intended meaning. Overusing it can make your writing less precise. Consider alternatives like "retained", "maintained", or "preserved" depending on the nuance you wish to express.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept hold" functions primarily as a verb phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it describes an action whereby someone or something maintained its grasp or control over something else. Ludwig examples show how it functions both literally and figuratively to show maintaining possession.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

25%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "kept hold" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that signifies maintaining possession or control. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, from literal physical grips to figurative control in sports or business. While its usage is widespread, especially in news and media, remember to use it judiciously and consider more specific verbs to enhance clarity and avoid repetition. Alternatives such as ""held onto"", ""retained"", and ""maintained"" can provide nuanced options for your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

held onto

Similar to "kept hold", this phrase also implies clinging to something physically or metaphorically.

clung to

Implies a desperate or tenacious grip, often in difficult circumstances.

maintained possession

This alternative emphasizes the act of maintaining control or ownership.

didn't relinquish

This alternative explicitly states the act of not giving something up.

retained control

This highlights the aspect of keeping control, especially in a strategic or managerial sense.

sustained

Implies ongoing effort to maintain something over time.

secured

Emphasizes making something safe and ensuring it remains in one's possession.

preserved

Focuses on keeping something in its original state or condition.

guarded

Suggests protecting something to retain possession.

defended

Highlights the act of protecting something from being taken away.

FAQs

How can I use "kept hold" in a sentence?

You can use "kept hold" to describe physically holding something, like "She "kept hold" of the railing". It can also describe retaining something abstract, like "The team "kept hold" of their lead".

What are some alternatives to "kept hold"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "held onto", "retained", or "maintained".

Is it ever incorrect to use "kept hold"?

"Kept hold" is generally correct, but overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider whether a more precise verb would be more effective.

What's the difference between "kept hold" and "held onto"?

"Kept hold" and "held onto" are very similar. "Held onto" might imply a slightly more tenacious or desperate grip, but they are often interchangeable.