kept hold of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept hold of" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means to maintain a firm grip or control over something. Example: The child was scared, but she kept hold of her mother's hand tightly as they crossed the busy street.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

The Guardian

BBC

The New York Times

The Economist

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Republicans kept hold of the House.

The Economist

He kept hold of me.

The Guardian - Books

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 of", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being maintained or controlled. For instance, "The company kept hold of its market share" is more precise than "The company kept hold of it."

Common error

Avoid ambiguous pronoun references. Instead of saying "He kept hold of it", specify what "it" refers to. For example, "He kept hold of the documents" provides clarity and avoids confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept hold of" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the act of maintaining possession or control. Ludwig shows that it commonly appears in sentences describing both physical and abstract scenarios, signifying continued retention.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

The Guardian

20%

BBC

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "kept hold of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that signifies maintaining possession or control. As verified by Ludwig, it finds frequent application across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it is generally neutral in register, ensuring clarity in object reference is crucial for effective communication. Alternatives like "held onto" and "maintained possession of" offer stylistic variations, depending on the specific nuance desired. This analysis underscores the versatility and reliability of "kept hold of" as a valuable component of the English lexicon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

held onto

A more casual and versatile alternative to "kept hold of".

maintained possession of

This alternative emphasizes the act of retaining something already possessed.

retained control over

This highlights the continued command or authority over something.

remained in possession of

A more formal way of saying "kept hold of", emphasizing legal or official ownership.

clung to

This suggests holding on tightly, often in a desperate or protective manner.

didn't relinquish

Focuses on the act of not giving something up.

guarded

Suggests protecting something to maintain control or possession.

preserved

Implies keeping something in its original state or condition.

secured

Emphasizes the act of making something safe and maintaining control.

sustained

Implies keeping something going or maintaining its level.

FAQs

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

You can use "kept hold of" to describe maintaining physical possession or control over something. For example, "She "kept hold of" the railing to avoid falling" or "The team "kept hold of" their lead throughout the game".

What can I say instead of "kept hold of"?

You can use alternatives like "held onto", "maintained possession of", or "retained control over" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "kept hold of" or "held onto"?

Both ""kept hold of"" and "held onto" are correct and often interchangeable. The choice depends on personal preference and the desired level of formality. "Held onto" might be considered slightly more informal.

What is the difference between "kept hold of" and "maintained possession of"?

"Kept hold of" generally implies a physical action of holding, while "maintained possession of" is more formal and often refers to legal or official ownership or control. For example, you "kept hold of" the rope, and the company maintained possession of the property.