to hold

USAGE SUMMARY

"to hold" is correct and usable in written English as a verb.
For example, "She held the rose in her hand" or "The key was held in place with a wire".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

ace to hold.

The New York Times - Sports

"I love to hold".

The New Yorker

We try to hold him.

The New Yorker

"I tried to hold it".

The New York Times

"I'm predisposed to hold back".

The New Yorker

He tried to hold back.

The New York Times - Sports

No hefty hardcovers to hold.

The New Yorker

"You have to hold meetings.

The New York Times

'You got to hold on.

The New Yorker

It's comfy to hold too.

Independent

Trying to hold it together.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to hold", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you mean physical possession, maintaining a state, organizing an event, or having an opinion.

Common error

Avoid using "to hold" when a more specific verb like "organize", "maintain", or "grasp" would provide greater clarity and precision.

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to hold" functions primarily as a verb, expressing actions related to grasping, maintaining, containing, or organizing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted. Examples demonstrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to hold" is a grammatically sound and versatile infinitive phrase widely used in English, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its primary function is as a verb, encompassing actions of grasping, maintaining, containing, and organizing. The phrase maintains a neutral register, suitable for various contexts, from news and media to academic writing. When using "to hold", ensure clarity in your intended meaning, considering alternatives like ""to grasp"", ""to maintain"", or ""to organize"" for enhanced precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to grasp

Focuses on the physical action of taking and maintaining a grip.

to maintain

Emphasizes the act of keeping something in a specific state or condition.

to keep

Highlights the act of retaining possession or control of something.

to retain

Suggests holding onto something, often against a force or desire to let go.

to sustain

Implies supporting or upholding something, preventing it from failing or collapsing.

to accommodate

Indicates the ability to contain or provide space for something.

to conduct

Used when "to hold" refers to organizing an event or meeting.

to bear

Focuses on carrying or enduring something.

to control

Implies having power or authority over something.

to guard

Highlights the act of protecting something to maintain possession or to prevent harm.

FAQs

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

You can use "to hold" in various contexts, such as "to hold a meeting", "to hold someone's hand", or "to hold an opinion".

What are some alternatives to "to hold"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "to grasp", "to maintain", or "to organize".

What does it mean to say someone is trying "to hold back"?

The phrase "to hold back" means to restrain oneself from expressing feelings or taking action. It suggests an effort to suppress something.

In business, what does it mean if a company decides "to hold out"?

If a company decides "to hold out", it means they are choosing to resist an offer or proposal in hopes of getting a better deal or outcome.