What are the phrasal verbs with “Hold”?

One fascinating aspect of the English language is the extensive use of phrasal verbs – combinations of verbs and particles that bring depth and nuance to everyday communication. Among these, the word ‘hold‘ [həʊld] plays a pivotal role, encapsulating a variety of meanings and applications. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of phrasal verbs with ‘hold’ and uncover how mastering them can elevate your English language skills.

TOP 20 Phrasal Verbs with “Hold”

Here’s list of the top 20 phrasal verbs with ‘hold,’ along with explanations and examples for each:

1. Hold on: To wait or pause for a moment.
   • Example: Please hold on while I transfer your call to the appropriate department
   • Example: Please hold on. Mr Matthews is on the other line.
   • Example: Please hold on. Mr Matthews is on the other line.
2. Hold back: To restrain or keep something from happening.
   • Example: She held back her tears during the emotional farewell
   • Example: What’s holding you back?
   • Example: Don’t hold back; take the opportunity while it’s there
3. Hold up: To delay or hinder.
   • Example: Traffic congestion held up our journey by over an hour
   • Example: The terrorists held up the train and kept the passengers as hostages
   • Example: The building of the new road has been held up by bad weather
4. Hold out: To resist or endure.
   • Example: Despite the challenges, the team held out and managed to complete the project on time
   • Example: The survivors on the rock signalled that they were short of water but could hold out for another day
5. Hold off: To postpone or delay.
   • Example: They decided to hold off the meeting until everyone was available
   • Example: We held off making the decision for a month.
6. Hold onto: To grasp or retain something tightly
   • Example: He held onto the railing as he descended the steep staircase
7. Hold together: To remain cohesive or united
   • Example: In times of crisis, it’s important for communities to hold together and support each other
8. Hold over: To extend or postpone a meeting or event.
   • Example: Due to the unexpected rain, they had to hold the outdoor concert over until the next day
9. Hold down: To keep something under control or maintain a job.
   • Example:  She managed to hold down a full-time job while pursuing her studies
10. Hold forth: To speak at length or lecture.
    • Example: He held forth on the topic of environmental conservation for over an hour
11. Hold off on: To delay making a decision.
    • Example: Let’s hold off on buying a new car until we’ve compared different options
12. Hold up: To present or consider as an example. To compare or judge against a standard
    • Example: She was often held up as a role model for her dedication to community service
    • Example: Her work ethic holds up to the highest standards of professionalism
13. Hold up with: To manage or cope with a situation.
    • Example: Despite the challenges, they managed to hold up with their positive outlook
14. Hold back from: To refrain from doing something.
    • Example: He had to hold back from sharing his opinion to avoid conflict
15. Hold up on: To wait before proceeding.
    • Example: Let’s hold up on making any decisions until we have more information
16. Hold against: To harbor resentment or negative feelings.
    • Example: It’s not fair to hold her mistakes against her forever
    • Example: I admit I made a mistake — but don’t hold it against me.
17. Hold apart: To keep separate or distant.
    • Example: They tried to hold the arguing parties apart to prevent a fight
18. Hold together with: To maintain a relationship or connection.
    • Example: Their shared love for music held their friendship together
19. Hold to account: To hold responsible or liable for something.
    • Example: The manager held the team to account for the project’s success
20. Hold in: To control or suppress one’s emotions, thoughts, or actions.
    • Example: He held his anger in and didn’t shout at the boy
    • Example: She tried to hold in her laughter during the serious meeting

These explanations and examples should help you better understand the meanings and usage of these phrasal verbs with ‘hold.’ The English language’s depth lies not only in its vocabulary but also in the way words and phrases are combined to create meaning. Phrasal verbs, like those with ‘hold,’ add layers of subtlety and context to communication. By mastering these expressions, you not only enhance your language skills but also gain insights into the cultural nuances and diverse applications of the language.