will be held back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "will be held back" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something will be prevented from progressing or advancing in some way. Example: "Due to the lack of funding, the project will be held back until further notice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But anything of serious value will be held back.

The Economist

Some industries will be held back by external factors.

Harvard Business Review

Without it, the economy will be held back.

The Guardian

Unless security improves, Mexico's nascent economic recovery will be held back.

The Economist

It does not hire teachers, buy textbooks or decide which students will be held back.

The New York Times

Exporters may be more competitive but they will be held back by the global downturn.

The Economist

However, there is a danger that the sector will be held back by overzealous regulators.

The Guardian

It's a shame if I will be held back because of antiquated opinions about these subjects.

The Guardian

This second piece of proposed legislation will be held back until the first has been agreed.

The Guardian

A stronger recovery will be held back by continued balance sheet adjustments, low capacity utilization and weak labor markets.

The New York Times

But so long as Indians struggle to get a signal or to make payments, the revolution will be held back.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "will be held back" to indicate that something or someone is being prevented from making progress or advancing as expected. Ensure the context clearly identifies what is causing the hindrance.

Common error

Avoid using "will be held back" when an active voice construction would be clearer and more direct. For instance, instead of saying "Progress will be held back by bureaucracy", consider "Bureaucracy will hinder progress".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "will be held back" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that something or someone is being prevented from progressing or advancing. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Academic

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "will be held back" is a common and grammatically sound passive voice phrase used to indicate that something is being prevented from progressing. Ludwig AI analysis shows its frequent occurrence in news and media, formal business contexts, and scientific writing. While versatile, writers should be mindful of clarity and consider active voice alternatives where appropriate. The phrase is considered neutral in register, suitable for diverse professional and general communication. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and wide applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

will be delayed

Indicates a postponement or slowing down of progress, focusing on time.

will be hindered

Highlights the obstruction or impediment to progress.

will be impeded

Similar to "will be hindered", emphasizing the difficulty in advancing.

will be restrained

Focuses on the act of keeping something or someone under control or within limits.

will be inhibited

Emphasizes the suppression or restriction of an action or process.

will be slowed down

Indicates a reduction in speed or rate of progress.

will be set back

Suggests a temporary reversal or delay in progress.

will be hampered

Implies that something is made more difficult or awkward.

will be curtailed

Focuses on reducing or restricting something.

will be suppressed

Highlights the act of forcefully preventing something from developing or being expressed.

FAQs

How to use "will be held back" in a sentence?

Use "will be held back" to express that something or someone's progress is being impeded. For example, "The project "will be held back" due to lack of funding".

What can I say instead of "will be held back"?

You can use alternatives such as "will be delayed", "will be hindered", or "will be impeded" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "will be held back" or "will being held back"?

"Will be held back" is the correct form. "Will being held back" is grammatically incorrect in most contexts.

What's the difference between "will be held back" and "is being held back"?

"Will be held back" indicates a future action or state of being impeded, while "is being held back" indicates a present action of being impeded.