Quick Definition
Hold On — To wait; to grip something tightly; to endure a difficult situation.
Meanings of Hold On
| Meaning | Example Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Wait | Hold on — I'll be back in a moment. | Please wait a moment. |
| Grip tightly | Hold on to the railing — it's slippery. | Keep a firm grip. |
| Endure | Hold on — things will get better. | Keep going despite the difficulty. |
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Meaning in Context |
|---|---|
| Hold on — I'll be back in a moment. | Please wait a moment. |
| Hold on to the railing — it's slippery. | Keep a firm grip. |
| Hold on — things will get better. | Keep going despite the difficulty. |
| "Don't worry -- I'll hold on it." | Using it in a short reassurance. |
Grammar Notes
Separability & Transitivity
Type: inseparable | Transitivity: intransitive
Intransitive. In the 'grip' meaning, followed by 'to': hold on to something. Often used as an imperative.
How to Use Hold On
Informal. Very common in spoken English as an instruction to wait or as encouragement.
| Register | Example / Notes |
|---|---|
| Informal / Spoken | Hold on — I'll be back in a moment. |
| Neutral / Written | Consider context; single-word synonyms may suit formal writing. |
Similar Phrasal Verbs
Practise Hold On
Practice English Phrasal Verbs
Use these exercises to master phrasal verbs in context:
Frequently Asked Questions about Hold On
What does "Hold On" mean?
"Hold On" means: To wait; to grip something tightly; to endure a difficult situation. It is a intransitive phrasal verb rated CEFR B1.
Is "Hold On" separable or inseparable?
"Hold On" is inseparable. Intransitive. In the 'grip' meaning, followed by 'to': hold on to something. Often used as an imperative.
How do I use "Hold On" in a sentence?
Hold on — I'll be back in a moment. -- in this example, 'Hold On' means please wait a moment.
What is the register of "Hold On"?
Informal. Very common in spoken English as an instruction to wait or as encouragement.
What CEFR level is "Hold On"?
"Hold On" is typically taught at CEFR B1 — Intermediate level. It appears frequently in informal contexts.
What is the difference between "Hold On" and similar phrasal verbs?
"Hold On" specifically means: To wait; to grip something tightly; to endure a difficult situation. Compare with similar verbs in the 'Similar Phrasal Verbs' section below for nuanced differences.
Can "Hold On" be used formally?
Informal. Very common in spoken English as an instruction to wait or as encouragement. When writing formally, consider whether a single-word synonym might be more appropriate for the context.
Does "Hold On" take an object?
"Hold On" is intransitive. Intransitive. In the 'grip' meaning, followed by 'to': hold on to something. Often used as an imperative.
How can I practise "Hold On"?
Use LexFizz's Find the Match and Flip Tiles exercises to practise 'Hold On' in context. Seeing it in multiple sentences helps the meaning stick.
Is "Hold On" used in British or American English?
"Hold On" is used in both British and American English, though register and frequency may vary. Informal. Very common in spoken English as an instruction to wait or as encouragement.