Phrasal verbs with “Hold” are some of the most common phrasal verbs used in English. Moreover, there are lots of combinations with similar meanings but slightly different situations in which they’re used. These reasons put Hold phrasal verbs high up on the list of tricky phrasal verbs for English language learners to master.

From our explanation section to quiz section to the shadowing section at the end, our native speaking instructor team has built this lesson to help you not only understand the differences, but actually start using these phrasal verbs confidently with your native speaking friends.

PRO TIP: Take this lesson on the go and study/practice the shadowing exercises on your way to work in the morning!

1. Hold Against –

a) To use something as a reason to dislike or have a bad opinion of someone else

Examples: You shouldn’t hold it against him. He just made a simple mistake. 

2. Hold Back –

a) To prevent someone from moving forward/making progress

b) To not share information

c) To not show/reveal something (often emotions)

Examples: Unfortunately, by frequently missing deadlines she is holding back the team.

Don’t hold back. We need to know the full story.

No need to hold back the tears. Its healthy to have a good cry every now and again.

3. Hold down –

a) To keep a job for some time

b) To keep something at a low level

Examples: For the first time in his life, he is actually holding down a job.

“Marcus, stop holding down your brother and let him go!”

4. Hold In –

a) to restrain or keep emotions under control

Examples: I could tell he was trying really hard to hold in his anger.

5. Hold off –

a) To wait to start

NOTE: When you mention the thing you’re waiting to start, you often add “on” after so it becomes “hold off on…”

b) Hold (someone) off – To stop someone or something from defeating you

Examples: Let’s hold off on buying property for now. Maybe down the road we can consider it again.

Can they hold them off long enough to claim the victory?

6. Hold on –

a) To tell someone to wait

b) To hold tightly

Examples: Hold on just a minute!

Please hold on to the steering wheel tightly when turning.

7. Hold onto/on to –

a) To keep something you have

NOTE: Technically there is a difference between “onto” and “on to” in English grammar, but they have begun to be used interchangeably and very few native speakers pay attention to or know the difference.

Examples: Let’s hold onto those Jim’s old clothes for a couple years so John can grow into them.

8. Hold out –

a) To stall/delay or resist an attack

b) To continue to exist, not disappear

c) To extend something (usually using your hand) toward someone

Examples: The troops are holding out just fine for now.

Are the drinks holding out alright? Or should we get some more?

She’s been holding out the salt shaker for you for quite awhile now.

9. Hold out for-

a) To not accept an offer in hopes of getting offered a better one

Examples: Let’s hold out for a bit and see if they are willing to come down on the price.

10. Hold up-

a) To hold something in the air, often to support or prevent something from falling

b) To cause a delay

c) To rob from somewhere by threatening violence

d) To stay in good condition/health

Examples: Can you hold up this picture frame for a minute?

Please keep moving. Don’t hold up the line.

The group of thieves have held up five banks in a matter of days.

How is Harold holding up? Is he getting any better?