was held up

USAGE SUMMARY

"was held up" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a delay or obstruction in a situation. Example: The traffic was held up due to construction on the highway.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I was held up at gunpoint twice.

The New York Times

It was held up by Mr. Karmazin?

The New York Times

His photograph was held up at anti-government demonstrations.

The New Yorker

"The first year, I was held up at gunpoint.

Independent

Likewise, Patton's 3rd Army was held up before Metz.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Any kind of pomposity was held up to endless ridicule.

The Guardian - Music

Its early progress was held up by local politics.

The Guardian - Travel

The student was held up at knifepoint and punched.

The Guardian

The winning shot was held up on review.

The Guardian - Sport

The game was held up while he received treatment.

The Guardian - Sport

The order was held up awaiting the Supreme Court's decision.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was held up", ensure the context clearly indicates whether it refers to a physical obstruction, a delay, or being presented as an example. For example, "The meeting was held up due to unforeseen circumstances" clarifies the reason for the delay.

Common error

Avoid using "was held up" with plural subjects. For example, instead of "The meetings was held up", use "The meetings were held up".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was held up" functions primarily as a passive verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It describes an action where the subject experiences being delayed, obstructed, or presented as an example, rather than performing the action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was held up" functions as a passive verb phrase with a few different meanings. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and is frequently employed. Its common applications encompass describing delays, obstructions, or instances where something is showcased as an example. Analysis of example sources reveals that the phrase is most frequently encountered in "News & Media" and encyclopedia contexts. When using "was held up", ensure clear context to avoid ambiguity, especially when referring to robbery versus delay. Related phrases like "was delayed" or "was presented" can offer alternative ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was delayed

Focuses on the aspect of being delayed, often due to unforeseen circumstances.

was obstructed

Highlights the aspect of being blocked or hindered in progress.

was stalled

Emphasizes a sudden stop or cessation of movement or progress.

was blocked

Highlights the aspect of being physically prevented from moving forward.

was impeded

Suggests a more forceful hindrance or obstruction.

was disrupted

Indicates an interruption or disturbance to the normal course of events.

was showcased

Shifts the meaning to being displayed or presented, typically in a positive light.

was presented

Focuses on the act of being introduced or offered, often in a formal setting.

was used as

Indicates that something served a particular function or purpose.

was considered

Focuses on the idea of something being thought of or regarded in a certain way.

FAQs

How can I use "was held up" in a sentence?

You can use "was held up" to describe a delay, as in "The project "was held up" due to funding issues", or to indicate that something was presented as an example, such as "The study "was held up" as a model of effective research".

What's a good alternative for "was held up" when referring to a delay?

Alternatives include "was delayed", "was stalled", or "was impeded". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "was held up" versus "was delayed"?

"Was held up" often suggests an unexpected or external obstruction, while "was delayed" is a more general term for being postponed. For instance, "The train "was held up" by a fallen tree" implies a specific obstacle, whereas "The flight "was delayed" due to weather" is a broader statement.

Can "was held up" also mean "robbed"?

Yes, in some contexts, "was held up" can mean robbed, especially at gunpoint. However, it is more commonly used to mean delayed or obstructed. If you are talking about robbery, be sure the context makes your meaning clear. For example, "The store "was held up" at gunpoint".