we held back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we held back" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone restrained themselves or did not express their feelings or actions fully. Example: "During the meeting, we held back our true opinions to maintain a harmonious atmosphere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

We held back for a while.

The Guardian - Opinion

When we were told that his life was in danger we held back from reporting it.

The Guardian

We held back from labels, organised dinner without wine when it seemed prudent, with wine when things seemed all right.

The Guardian

They think we held back the listing to give us time to sell it, but it isn't true".

The New York Times

For the Corning book, Mr. Houghton, the retired chief executive, said that "there wasn't a whole lot we held back".

The New York Times

As I said in the rebuttal, the idea that we held back a Goa mining story to facilitate our Think Fest was a malicious and baseless controversy.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

"If there's too much cerise," he said, "We hold back and send yellow".

The New York Times

Yet if we hold back and don't pass that intelligence, innocent lives may be lost that we could have saved".

Independent

Aleks explores why we hold back.

BBC

So if the engagement is going to cost $100K, we hold back 20% and we pay the firm 80%.

Forbes

Toe fourth column considers the average utility function and its standard deviation over all the cells.

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we held back", ensure the context clearly indicates what was being withheld, whether it be information, emotions, or actions. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "we held back" to obscure responsibility. Instead of saying, "Information was held back", specify who held it back and why. For example, "We held back the information due to ongoing investigations" is more direct and accountable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we held back" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a deliberate action of restraint or withholding. It describes a conscious decision to not fully express, reveal, or act in a particular situation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we held back" is a versatile phrase used to describe a deliberate act of restraint or withholding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, it is essential to provide clear context about what was being withheld to avoid ambiguity. Be mindful of the ethical implications, especially when withholding critical information. If a more formal alternative is desired, consider using phrases such as "we refrained from" or "we exercised restraint". Ensure clarity and justification, avoid overuse of the passive voice, and use alternatives when they more precisely reflect the intended meaning. "We held back" can effectively communicate deliberate restraint if used thoughtfully.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we restrained ourselves

Focuses on the act of consciously controlling one's actions or emotions.

we exercised restraint

Emphasizes the deliberate application of control and moderation.

we refrained from

Highlights the act of abstaining from a particular action or expression.

we kept ourselves from

Indicates a personal effort to avoid doing something.

we suppressed our feelings

Specifically refers to the act of holding back emotional expression.

we didn't disclose

Highlights the withholding of information.

we declined to reveal

Emphasizes a conscious decision not to share certain details.

we kept it a secret

Indicates an intention to maintain confidentiality.

we played it cool

Suggests a calm and collected demeanor, often hiding true feelings.

we stood down

Implies a withdrawal from a position or action, often under pressure.

FAQs

How can I use "we held back" in a sentence?

You can use "we held back" to indicate a deliberate act of restraint. For example, "We held back our criticism to avoid upsetting the team". It's useful when explaining why certain actions weren't taken or information wasn't shared.

What's a more formal alternative to "we held back"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "we refrained from" or "we exercised restraint". These options convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

Is it always appropriate to say "we held back"?

While grammatically correct, consider the ethical implications. If "we held back" implies withholding crucial information, it may be perceived negatively. Ensure transparency and justify the reasons for withholding, if possible.

What's the difference between "we held back" and "we suppressed"?

"We held back" suggests a conscious decision to restrain something, while "we suppressed" implies a more forceful act of containing or stifling something. For example, "we held back information" suggests a strategic decision, whereas "we suppressed our emotions" indicates an effort to control intense feelings.