virtually held

USAGE SUMMARY

"virtually held" is correct and usable in written English.
The phrase "virtually held" usually implies an online meeting or conference, but it can also refer to any kind of session or event. For example, "The planning meeting was virtually held due to the pandemic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Assunta, a thickset, bellicose servant, virtually held the old lady prisoner in her villa.

The New Yorker

In 1468 he was present at the famous meeting at Péronne, when Charles virtually held Louis XI as prisoner, and was able to negotiate an agreement between them.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It also was a major factor in New Delhi, where it virtually held the first government of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh hostage as a crucial member of its governing coalition.

The New York Times

Making no secret of their favored candidate, Mr. Johnson and other commentators virtually held the viewer's hand and assured them that the dream of so many African-Americans had, in fact, come true.

The New York Times

During the boom period, the company virtually held the monopoly in this niche market in the large cities of West Germany and employed more than 60 people.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Buy enough of these cards and you could virtually hold an entire conversation with your loved one (or not) without opening your mouth.

The New Yorker

'It's like he needs emotional crutches,' said the ITV insider of Gazza's World Cup stint, when Terry Venables 'was virtually holding his hand'.

The Guardian - Sport

The PLD also held on to its control of both houses of the legislature, with its representation in the Chamber of Deputies virtually holding steady and its near monolithic dominance of the Senate falling from 31 of 32 seats to 26 seats.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After two months of exhausting Balkan shuttle diplomacy had secured a ceasefire, Holbrooke brought the Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic and the presidents of Bosnia and Croatia to the US and sequestered them for 20 days at the Wright-Patterson Air Force base in Dayton, Ohio, virtually holding them hostage until a deal was reached.

Independent

These enable the viewer to virtually hold and manipulate a digital facsimile of the Crane Scroll, Koetsu's most famous collaboration with Sotatsu (which will be part of the September rotation), and his black and rust raku "Shichiri (Seven Leagues)" tea bowl, feeling the textures and asymmetries of its surface while observing the pictorial subtleties of its glaze on a small screen.

The New York Times - Arts

(In truth the laughter had stopped earlier, when we ventured off the Reeperbahn into a side street that bore a sign announcing that men under 18, and all women, were verboten. All the shops in this street had prostitutes in the window. They would shout sexy things at us as we chuckled nervously, before emerging at the other end in silence and virtually holding hands for comfort).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "virtually held", ensure the context clarifies whether you are referring to a physical event or an online event. For hybrid events, specify which aspects were virtual.

Common error

Avoid assuming "virtually held" means the same as "actually held". "Virtually held" implies something close to, but not exactly, the same as physical possession or control. Ensure your writing reflects this nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "virtually held" functions as a modifier plus past participle, indicating a state of being held in a near or almost complete manner. It modifies a noun and describes the extent to which something is held or controlled, as Ludwig AI explains.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

24%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "virtually held" is a grammatically correct and neutrally-registered expression used to indicate that something is close to being completely held or controlled, although not necessarily in an absolute or physical sense. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Its use is relatively uncommon, appearing mainly in news media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. When writing, ensure you don't equate it with "actually held", as this can lead to misinterpretations. Consider alternatives like "effectively maintained" or "substantially controlled" to refine your message depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Practically conducted

Emphasizes the practical aspect of the holding, suggesting a focus on functionality.

For all practical purposes held

Adding an emphasis on functionality

Substantially controlled

Highlights the degree of control exerted, suggesting a considerable influence.

In effect possessed

Highlights the actual or practical result, irrespective of technical considerations

Effectively maintained

Focuses on the maintenance aspect, implying a continued control or possession.

Functionally possessed

Highlights the functionality associated with possession or control.

Almost possessed

Emphasizes ownership, though not necessarily in a physical sense.

Realistically speaking held

Adds a level of realism or pragmatism to the holding.

Approaching possession

Implies near-complete ownership, suggesting the state of nearly possessing something.

Tended to dominate

Implies a tendency towards dominance or superiority.

FAQs

How can I use "virtually held" in a sentence?

You can use "virtually held" to describe events or positions that are controlled or possessed in effect, but not necessarily in a physical or absolute sense. For example, "The meeting was virtually held online" or "The company virtually held the monopoly in that market."

What does "virtually held" mean?

The phrase "virtually held" means something is controlled or possessed to a very high degree, almost entirely, but not absolutely or physically. It suggests a near-complete state of holding or control.

What can I say instead of "virtually held"?

You can use alternatives like "practically conducted", "effectively maintained", or "substantially controlled" depending on the specific context.

Is "virtually held" the same as "actually held"?

No, "virtually held" is not the same as "actually held". "Virtually held" implies a state close to actual holding but acknowledges it is not entirely or physically the case. "Actually held" signifies factual, physical, or absolute possession.