Okay, let's break down how to use the word "hold" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with many different meanings and ways to use it! Here's a categorized breakdown:
1. As a Verb - Holding Something Physically
- To grasp or keep something in your hands: This is the most common meaning.
- "Hold the door for me."
- "Please hold this package for a moment."
- "She held her baby tightly."
- To carry or support:
- “Hold the ladder while I climb.”
- “He held the injured bird.”
2. As a Verb - Maintaining Control or a Position
- To maintain a particular state or condition:
- "Hold your breath." (To control your breathing)
- "Hold your horses!" (To wait a moment – an idiom)
- "Hold onto your hat!" (To prevent something from falling)
- To keep a meeting or event:
- “The meeting is being held next week.”
- “We’re holding a charity gala.”
- To retain something: “Hold a position” – meaning to keep a job or role.
3. As a Verb - Keeping Something in Place or Waiting
- To keep something from falling or moving:
- "Hold the balloon steady."
- “Hold it in place until the glue dries.”
- To wait for something or someone: (Often used with "on")
- “Hold on!” (meaning “wait a moment”)
- "Hold on the line, please." (In a phone conversation)
- To keep someone from leaving: "Hold someone back" – meaning to prevent them from going.
4. As an Adjective - Relating to Holding or Stability
- Stable or secure:
- "Hold a steady job."
- "A hold on the market." (Meaning a stable position in the stock market)
- Capable of holding:
- "A hold container" (a container designed to hold something)
5. As a Noun - A Place or Position
- A place where people wait: (like a bus stop or holding area)
- "We waited at the holding area before boarding the plane."
- A position of power or influence: (often informal)
- “He’s in a holding position until the new manager arrives.”
- To hold someone accountable: "Hold someone responsible" - meaning to make them answer for their actions.
Phrases & Idioms Using "Hold"
- Hold up: To delay or obstruct. "The traffic held us up."
- Hold back: To restrain or conceal. “She held back her tears.”
- Hold out: To last for a long time; to resist. “The medicine held out for only a few days.”
- Hold dear: To value highly. "I hold my family dear."
- Hold fast: To remain firm; to persevere.
Tips for Using "Hold" Correctly:
- Context is key: The meaning of "hold" changes dramatically depending on the situation. Pay attention to the surrounding words.
- Combine with other words: Phrases like "hold on," "hold up," and "hold back" are very common.
- Think about the action: What is being held? Who is holding it? What is being kept?
Resources for Further Learning:
To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:
- What is the specific context you want to use "hold" in? (e.g., "I'm writing a story," "I want to use it in a conversation," "I'm learning about idioms")
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