without holding on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without holding on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or state of being that occurs without clinging or grasping onto something, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "She decided to let go of her fears and move forward without holding on to past regrets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

And when my father drove into the bush, driving fast on the winding gravel roads, all of us children would stand, without holding on, happy and brave on the back of the pickup.

Huffington Post

She asks herself, "How can I walk without holding on to them, one on each side?" When she finally works up the courage to do so, she's devastated by everything she sees — a child, a ball, a bird, a 100-rupee note in a man's hand.

The New York Times - Books

One of the freedoms a Christian has is the ability to compete without holding on to the outcome of winning or losing -- because when one loves God, the joy of knowing God overcomes any fear or false fear that often accompanies an athlete.

Huffington Post

Without holding on.

The New York Times

"You're not drunk until you can lie on the floor without holding on?" Suddenly we're in Las Vegas 50 years ago.

The New York Times - Arts

I can skate-board on Rocker without holding on to her, then I whee back onto Duvet and I'm snowboarding instead.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

In the press release announcing the study, Slessor is enthusiastic: "It's great to be able to walk without having to hold on to anything.

TechCrunch

But the American steadies himself, takes a few yogic breaths, and holds on without further incident.

The Guardian - Sport

The French will hold on, without even needing a "sursaut national," a national pushback reflex.

The New York Times

Daniele de Rossi doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time and the Giallorossi held on without major scares.

The Guardian - Sport

Miroslav Gajdusek skelped in a late swerving drive, but the Scots held on without too much drama.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "without holding on" to describe the act of moving forward or performing an action without relying on external support or past experiences. This emphasizes independence and self-reliance.

Common error

Avoid using "without holding on" in contexts where a literal, physical action is expected. If describing a physical activity, ensure the meaning isn't misconstrued as lacking physical support when it's needed for safety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without holding on" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed. It indicates doing something independently or "without support", whether physical or emotional. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

24%

Science

20%

Less common in

HuffPost

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "without holding on" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that underscores independence and detachment. According to Ludwig AI, its usability is confirmed. It functions as an adverbial phrase, adding detail to how an action is performed, whether physically or emotionally. It appears most often in news and media, wiki content, and scientific writing, maintaining a neutral register. To ensure clarity, it's important to consider the context and avoid overuse in situations requiring literal, physical support. Alternatives like "without clinging to" or "without depending on" can offer more specific nuances. The phrase enhances writing by conveying a sense of autonomy and freedom.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without clinging to

Focuses on the act of releasing a tight physical or emotional grip.

without grasping at

Emphasizes the absence of attempts to seize or retain something.

without depending on

Highlights the absence of reliance or support from something.

without relying on

Stresses the lack of dependence for assistance or security.

without being attached to

Focuses on the lack of emotional or sentimental connection.

without being tethered to

Emphasizes the absence of a constraint or limitation.

without restraint

Highlights the freedom from limitations or restrictions.

freely

Conveys the idea of doing something without limitations or obstructions.

independently

Focuses on acting without outside assistance or control.

autonomously

Stresses self-governance and lack of external influence.

FAQs

How can I use "without holding on" in a sentence?

You can use "without holding on" to describe actions done independently, like, "She learned to ride her bike "without holding on" to the seat". It can also be used metaphorically to describe emotional detachment.

What are some alternatives to "without holding on"?

Some alternatives include "without clinging to", "without grasping at", or "without depending on", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "without holding on"?

Yes, the phrase "without holding on" is grammatically correct and commonly used. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

What does "without holding on" mean in a metaphorical sense?

Metaphorically, "without holding on" signifies letting go of past experiences, fears, or attachments. It emphasizes freedom and the ability to move forward "without being held back".