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Phrasal verbs "hold on" vs "hold out on"

Differences between hold on and hold out on

Hold on means to wait or pause for a short time, while hold out on means to withhold or keep something from someone.

Meanings and Definitions: hold on vs hold out on

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Hold on

  • 1Wait.

    Could you HOLD ON for a minute; she'll be free in a moment.

  • 2To hold tightly.

    We HELD ON as the bus started to move.

Hold out on

  • 1Not pay someone or give them information.

    He's been HOLDING OUT ON me for weeks and I really need the money.

Usage Examples: hold on, hold out on in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

hold on

Example

Please hold on while I find the document you need.

Example

She holds on to the railing when going down the stairs.

hold out on

Example

She always holds out on me when it comes to sharing her recipes.

Example

He holds out on his friends when they ask for advice.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Hold on

wait a moment

To pause or delay for a short time.

Example

Can you wait a moment while I finish this email?

hang on

To wait or pause for a short time.

Example

Just hang on a second, I'm almost done with this task.

stay put

To remain in one place or position.

Example

Please stay put until I come back with your order.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Hold out on

keep to oneself

To keep something private or not share it with others.

Example

She tends to keep her personal life to herself and rarely talks about it with others.

keep under wraps

To keep something secret or hidden from others.

Example

The company decided to keep the new product under wraps until the official launch date.

be stingy with

To be unwilling to share or give something to others.

Example

He's always stingy with his snacks and never shares them with anyone.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “hold”

Differences in hold on vs hold out on: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: hold on or hold out on?

In daily conversation, people use hold on more often than hold out on. This is because hold on is used in many situations where we need to ask someone to wait or pause for a moment. Hold out on is less common and usually used in specific contexts where someone is not sharing something they have with others.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of hold on and hold out on

Hold on and hold out on are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of hold on and hold out on

The tone of hold on and hold out on can differ based on context. Hold on often carries a polite or urgent tone when asking someone to wait, while hold out on typically has a negative or suspicious tone, especially when referring to someone who is not sharing something they have with others.

hold on & hold out on: Synonyms and Antonyms

Hold on

Synonyms

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