that holds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that holds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that contains or supports another thing, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The box that holds the treasures of the past is locked away in the attic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The basket that holds the books?

The New York Times

"I don't think that holds right now.

The New York Times

I'm the glue that holds it together.

The Guardian

Identify the institution that holds the collection.

Yale University

There is something about a place that holds its history.

Independent

But there's plenty that holds this game back as well.

The New York Times - Arts

Children are the center that holds parents together.

The New York Times - Books

What is the secret sauce that holds a family together?

The New York Times

"Mugabe is the glue that holds ZANU-PF together.

The New York Times

"Warren's the rock that holds this family together.

The New York Times

"It's the keystone that holds the whole thing together.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that holds" to describe an abstract concept, ensure the noun it refers to is clear and specific to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "the idea that holds", specify "the principle that holds the theory together".

Common error

Avoid using "that holds" in overly simple sentences where a more direct verb would be more effective. For example, instead of "the container that holds water", try "the container containing water".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that holds" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun by providing additional information about it. It indicates a relationship of containment, support, or validity. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility across numerous sentence structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

21%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that holds" is a versatile and very common relative clause used to specify a quality of a noun. It's grammatically correct and finds frequent use in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts. As supported by Ludwig AI's analysis, while the phrase is generally acceptable, writers should consider more direct alternatives in overly simple sentences to enhance clarity. The phrase is also appropriate for both formal and informal settings. By considering these nuances, writers can effectively incorporate "that holds" in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which contains

Focuses on the act of including or having something within.

that supports

Emphasizes the idea of providing structural or conceptual backing.

that maintains

Highlights the action of keeping something in a certain state or condition.

that accommodates

Suggests providing space or making allowances for something.

that includes

Similar to "which contains", but can also imply being a part of a larger group.

which embodies

Implies a more abstract form of containment, like representing an idea.

that encompasses

Suggests covering or surrounding something completely.

that validates

Indicates something that confirms or proves the truth of something else.

that bears

Implies carrying or supporting a load, either physically or metaphorically.

that preserves

Emphasizes keeping something safe and unchanged.

FAQs

How can I use "that holds" in a sentence?

You can use "that holds" to describe something containing or supporting something else, like "the box that holds the letters" or "the theory that holds true over time".

What are some alternatives to "that holds"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "which contains", "that supports", or "that maintains".

Is it correct to say "that holds true"?

Yes, "that holds true" is a common and acceptable phrase that means something remains valid or applicable.

What's the difference between "that holds" and "that contains"?

"That holds" can imply support or validity, while "that contains" primarily refers to physical or abstract inclusion. For example, "the argument that holds" suggests validity, whereas "the box that contains" suggests physical containment.