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Phrasal verbs "hold off" vs "hold out for"

Differences between hold off and hold out for

Hold off means to delay or postpone something, while hold out for means to wait for something better or to insist on a specific condition before agreeing to something.

Meanings and Definitions: hold off vs hold out for

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Hold off

  • 1When bad weather doesn't appear.

    The rain HELD OFF until we'd got back home.

  • 2Stop someone from attacking or beating you.

    Chelsea couldn't HOLD their opponents OFF and lost the game.

Hold out for

  • 1Wait for something better or refuse something now for something better in the future.

    We are HOLDING OUT FOR a much better deal than the one offered.

Usage Examples: hold off, hold out for in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

hold off

Example

We need to hold off on the project until we get more funding.

Example

She holds off on making a decision until she has all the information.

hold out for

Example

I will hold out for a better job offer.

Example

She holds out for the perfect apartment.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Hold off

postpone

To delay or reschedule an event or activity.

Example

We need to postpone the meeting until next week due to scheduling conflicts.

put on hold

To temporarily suspend or delay a project or plan.

Example

The company decided to put the project on hold until they secure more funding.

wait a bit

To delay or hold off on doing something for a short period of time.

Example

Can you wait a bit before making a decision? I need to gather more information first.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Hold out for

insist on

To demand or require a specific condition or outcome before agreeing to something.

Example

She insisted on a higher salary before accepting the job offer.

wait for the right opportunity

To delay or hold off on accepting an offer or making a decision until a better opportunity arises.

Example

He decided to wait for the right opportunity before selling his house.

hold out hope

To maintain optimism or faith in a positive outcome despite challenges or setbacks.

Example

Despite the difficult circumstances, she held out hope that things would improve soon.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Differences in hold off vs hold out for: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: hold off or hold out for?

In daily conversation, people use hold off more often than hold out for. This is because hold off is used for more common situations like delaying a meeting or postponing a task. Hold out for is less common and is usually used in situations where someone is waiting for something specific or negotiating a deal.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of hold off and hold out for

Hold off and hold out for are both informal phrases that can be used in casual conversations. However, hold out for may sound slightly more formal because it implies negotiation or bargaining.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of hold off and hold out for

The tone of hold off and hold out for can differ based on context. Hold off often carries a neutral or practical tone when related to delaying or postponing something, while hold out for typically has a more assertive or demanding tone, especially when referring to waiting for something better or insisting on specific conditions.

hold off & hold out for: Synonyms and Antonyms

Hold out for

Synonyms

Antonyms

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