Phrasal verbs "hold on to" vs "hold out for"

Differences between hold on to and hold out for

Hold on to means to keep something or someone in your possession or to maintain a grip on something. Hold out for means to wait for something better or to insist on getting what you want.

Meanings and Definitions: hold on to vs hold out for

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Hold on to

• 1. Hold tightly.

  I HELD ON TO my luggage while I was waiting fr the taxi so that it didn't get stolen.

Hold out for

• 1. Wait 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 on to, hold out for in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

hold on to

Example

Please hold on to the railing while going down the stairs.

Example

She holds on to her purse tightly in crowded places.

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 on to

keep

To continue to have or retain possession of something.

Example

She decided to keep the old car instead of buying a new one.

maintain a grip on

To hold onto something tightly or firmly.

Example

He had to maintain a grip on the rope to avoid falling off the cliff.

cling to

To hold onto something tightly or persistently, often due to fear or insecurity.

Example

The child clung to his mother's hand as they walked through the crowded street.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Hold out for

wait for the best

To wait for the most favorable outcome or option.

Example

She decided to wait for the best job offer instead of settling for a lower-paying one.

insist on

To demand or require something, often with determination or persistence.

Example

He insisted on getting a refund for the faulty product he purchased.

hold firm

To remain steadfast or resolute in one's position or decision.

Example

Despite the pressure, she held firm on her decision to quit the job and start her own business.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “hold”

• hold back from
• hold forth
• hold on
• hold off
• hold up

Phrasal Verbs with “on to”

• cling on to
• get on to
• go on to
• latch on to
• pass on to

Phrasal Verbs with “out for”

• send out for
• stick out for
• mark out for
• reach out for
• listen out for

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

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

Both phrases are used in everyday conversation, but hold on to is more common. It's used in various contexts such as keeping a job, holding onto a memory, or holding onto an object. Hold out for is less common and is mainly used when talking about negotiations or waiting for something better.

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

Hold on to and hold out for are informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations. However, hold out for can be used in more formal settings such as business negotiations.

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

The tone of hold on to is generally practical and straightforward, while hold out for can have a more determined or stubborn tone.

hold on to & hold out for: Synonyms and Antonyms

Hold on to

Synonyms

• grip
• grasp
• retain
• maintain
• keep
• cling to
• embrace

Antonyms

• release
• drop
• abandon
• lose
• relinquish
• let go
• give up

Hold out for

Synonyms

• anticipate
• expect
• wait for
• look for
• hope for
• aim for
• aspire to

Antonyms

• accept
• concede
• settle for
• compromise
• agree to
• give in