withholds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "withholds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of holding back or not disclosing information, resources, or emotions. Example: "The company withholds certain financial details from the public to maintain a competitive edge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That choice, he says, rests on a government policy that withholds welfare benefits for the duration of a hospital stay at the state's expense.Some think South Africa should consider forcibly confining unco-operative patients carrying the nastiest strains, however much that would flout individual liberty.

The Economist

If it withholds support, it stands accused of driving the economy into an even deeper slump, with the risk of political instability and social unrest.

The Economist

It's impossible to sue a prosecutor, even if he intentionally withholds exculpatory evidence that sends an innocent person to prison.

The Economist

And even if one of these three steady allies withholds support for a particular policy, National needs only one vote to take it to the 61 majority.

The Economist

Even before Congress grants or withholds its approval, Mr Obama's limited, reluctant police action is taking on a life of its own.

The Economist

Foreclosure can take up to 12 years with a traditional mortgage, but a newish type of loan, which withholds full control of the property until it is paid off, cuts the time of repossession to 12-18 months. 12-18 months

The Economist

The idea is supposed to make CalPERS, which currently withholds at least four-fifths of all its proxy votes, more discriminating in its targets.

The Economist

One possibility may be a suggestion by Mr Davis that the state withhold funds from localities that are particularly obstructive, in the way that the federal government withholds highway funds from wayward states.

The Economist

Turkey has hinted at compensating the Palestinians in the West Bank if America's Congress withholds funds.

The Economist

This is in addition to a handful of extremely large expected offerings, including the spin-out of AIG's Asian life-insurance operations.Hong Kong's appeal is the result both of what it offers and of what it withholds.

The Economist

This scheme withholds 8% of every player paycheck.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "withholds" when you want to emphasize the act of deliberately keeping something back, whether it's information, support, or resources.

Common error

Avoid using "withholds" in a passive construction when an active voice would be clearer. For example, instead of "Information is withheld by the company", prefer "The company withholds information."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "withholds" is as a third-person singular present tense verb. It indicates that a subject is currently keeping something back or not providing it. Ludwig examples confirm its use in active voice constructions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

19%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "withholds" functions as a third-person singular verb indicating a deliberate act of keeping something back. Ludwig confirms that it's grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. While versatile, it carries a more formal tone. It's important to use "withholds" actively, emphasizing who or what is doing the withholding, and to consider alternatives like "retains", "keeps back", or "conceals" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

holds back

A more general term for preventing something from being released or expressed.

retains

Focuses on keeping possession of something, often temporarily.

keeps back

Emphasizes the act of holding something back, often implying secrecy or reluctance.

deducts

Specifically refers to subtracting or taking away an amount, often in a financial context.

declines to give

Indicates a refusal to provide something, whether it's information or a resource.

represses

Implies actively suppressing or holding back emotions or information.

conceals

Suggests hiding something, often to prevent it from being known.

refrains from

Highlights a conscious decision to avoid doing or saying something.

suppresses

Similar to 'represses', but can also refer to quashing dissent or rebellion.

keeps secret

Focuses on maintaining confidentiality and preventing disclosure.

FAQs

How can I use "withholds" in a sentence?

You can use "withholds" to indicate that someone or something is deliberately not giving or providing something. For example, "The government withholds information from the public".

What can I say instead of "withholds"?

You can use alternatives like "retains", "keeps back", or "conceals" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "withholds" and "suppresses"?

"Withholds" implies a deliberate decision not to give something, while "suppresses" suggests actively preventing something from being expressed or known.

Is "withholds" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "withholds" is suitable for formal writing. It is frequently used in news reports, academic papers, and business documents.