not holding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not holding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of not maintaining or possessing something, often in a figurative sense. Example: "He is not holding any grudges against her after their argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Communication

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

"I'm not holding tenge".

The Guardian

You're not holding back anything".

The New York Times

I'm not holding my breath.

The New York Times

We're not holding our breath.

The New York Times

"Waterfall grate not holding.

The New York Times

And he is certainly not holding back.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Not hold.

Independent

1989 not held Ye.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His luck may not hold.

The Economist

He did not hold back.

The New York Times

Do not hold your breath.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not holding", consider the specific context to ensure the phrase accurately conveys the intended meaning. Is it about physical possession, emotional restraint, or expectation? Choose alternative phrasing for clarity if needed.

Common error

Avoid using "not holding" when a more direct phrase would be clearer. For instance, instead of saying "I'm not holding any anger", specify "I'm forgiving" or "I've let go of my anger" for a stronger impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not holding" primarily functions as a verb phrase expressing a state of lacking possession, restraint, or expectation. As Ludwig AI explains, its meaning depends heavily on the context. Examples include "not holding back" which indicates unrestrained action, or "not holding my breath" expressing skepticism.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Sports

20%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not holding" is a versatile verb phrase with a wide range of applications, from expressing skepticism ("not holding my breath") to indicating unrestrained action ("not holding back"). As per Ludwig AI, the grammatical status of "not holding" is correct, and it sees very common usage across diverse contexts like News & Media, Sports, and Wiki. Be mindful of the specific context to ensure clarity and avoid misinterpretations. For alternative phrasings, consider "not keeping", "not retaining", or "not expecting", depending on the specific shade of meaning you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not keeping

Focuses on the absence of maintaining possession or a particular state.

not retaining

Emphasizes the lack of keeping something that was previously possessed.

not maintaining

Highlights the failure to keep something at a certain level or condition.

not possessing

Indicates the absence of ownership or control.

not exhibiting

Refers to the lack of displaying or showing a particular quality or behavior.

not restraining

Implies a lack of control or holding back.

not anticipating

Focuses on the absence of expecting something to happen.

not expecting

Similar to 'not anticipating', but with a slightly broader scope.

not cherishing

Focuses on the absence of valuing and treasuring someone or something.

not nurturing

Implies a lack of fostering growth or development.

FAQs

How can I use "not holding" in a sentence?

You can use "not holding" to express a lack of expectation, possession, or emotional attachment. For example, "I'm "not holding" my breath for that promotion" or "He is "not holding" any grudges".

What's the difference between "not holding" and "not keeping"?

"Not holding" often implies a more figurative sense of not possessing something, like an emotion or expectation, while "not keeping" typically refers to a more literal sense of not retaining something physical or tangible.

What can I say instead of "I'm not holding my breath"?

You can use alternatives like "I'm "not expecting" it", "I'm "not anticipating" that", or "I'm skeptical" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "not holding nothing back"?

While grammatically unconventional, "not holding nothing back" can be used for emphasis, meaning giving everything you have. However, it's often clearer to simply say "holding nothing back".