Differences between hold on and stay on
Hold on usually means to wait or pause for a moment, whereas stay on generally means to continue to be present or remain in a particular place or situation.
Meanings and Definitions: hold on vs stay 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.
Stay on
- 1Remain longer than anticipated.
She STAYED ON after she graduated to do a Master's degree.
Usage Examples: hold on, stay 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.
stay on
Example
She decided to stay on at the company after her internship ended.
Example
He stays on at work late to finish his tasks.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Hold on
hang on
To wait or pause for a moment, often used in urgent or important situations.
Example
Please hang on while I transfer your call to the manager.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Stay on
stick around
To remain in a particular place or situation, often used in informal contexts.
Example
I'm going to stick around for a bit and see if anyone else shows up.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “hold”
Phrasal Verbs with “stay”
Differences in hold on vs stay on: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: hold on or stay on?
In daily conversation, people use hold on more often than stay on. This is because hold on is used in many different contexts and situations, such as asking someone to wait on the phone or to pause a conversation. Stay on is less common and is mainly used when referring to remaining in a particular place or situation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of hold on and stay on
Hold on and stay 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 stay on
The tone of hold on and stay on can differ based on context. Hold on often carries a sense of urgency or importance when asking someone to wait or pause, while stay on typically has a more neutral or relaxed tone, especially when referring to remaining in a particular place or situation.
