we are holding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are holding" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to describe a current state of affairs. For example: "We are holding a huge sale at the store this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"We are holding onto hope.

Independent

"We are holding the area.

The Economist

This is the book we are holding.

The New York Times - Books

"We are holding our own," he said.

The New York Times

Always, we are holding hands.

The New Yorker

We are holding our forecasts.

The Guardian - Business

Think of the data we are holding.

The Guardian - Opinion

And until now we are holding the line".

The New York Times

We are holding our passports, waiting to be waved through.

The New York Times

"We are holding corporate America responsible," the governor said.

The New York Times

"We are holding on to what we have".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we are holding", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being held, whether it's a physical object, an abstract concept like a belief, or a position in a competition or negotiation.

Common error

Avoid using "we are holding" without a clear object or context. For example, instead of saying "We are holding", specify "We are holding a meeting" or "We are holding shares of the company" to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are holding" primarily functions as a verb phrase expressing an action in progress. According to Ludwig, it indicates a current state of affairs, such as possessing something, conducting an event, or maintaining a position. This usage is supported by numerous examples found in the provided data.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

11%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academic Sources

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are holding" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that indicates a current state of action or possession. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across diverse contexts. Its communicative purpose ranges from informing and reassuring to asserting control, and its register is generally neutral, fitting both formal and informal scenarios. While frequently appearing in news and media, as well as informal wiki sources, it is important to ensure that the object or context is clear to avoid ambiguity. By following these guidelines, writers can effectively use "we are holding" to convey their intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we're currently maintaining

Replaces "holding" with "maintaining", emphasizing the act of keeping something in its current state.

we're currently retaining

Substitutes "holding" with "retaining", emphasizing the act of keeping something.

we're presently keeping

Substitutes "holding" with "keeping", indicating the act of retaining or possessing something at the moment.

we are clinging to

Changes "holding" to "clinging to", suggesting a desperate or tenacious grip.

we are retaining control of

Specifies that control is being maintained, implying authority or power over something.

we're temporarily keeping possession of

Adds "temporarily" and expands "holding" to "keeping possession of", specifying the duration and nature of control.

we are securing for the moment

Emphasizes the act of making something safe and controlled temporarily.

we have temporary custody of

Replaces "holding" with "have custody of", suggesting a more formal or legal aspect of temporary possession.

we are in temporary charge of

Changes "holding" to "in charge of", indicating responsibility for something for a limited time.

we're preserving for now

Replaces "holding" with "preserving", focusing on maintaining something in its original condition for the time being.

FAQs

How can I use "we are holding" in a sentence?

You can use "we are holding" to indicate current possession, as in "We are holding the event next week", or to express maintaining a position, as in "We are holding our ground in the negotiations".

What can I say instead of "we are holding"?

You can use alternatives like "we are maintaining", "we are keeping", or "we are organizing" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "we're holding"?

Yes, "we're holding" is a contraction of "we are holding" and is perfectly acceptable in informal contexts.

What's the difference between "we are holding" and "we are going to hold"?

"We are holding" indicates a present or ongoing action, while "we are going to hold" indicates a future action. For example, "We are holding a meeting now" vs. "We are going to hold a meeting next week".