Differences between hold on and wait on
Hold on usually means to wait or pause for a short period of time, whereas wait on generally means to serve or attend to someone's needs.
Meanings and Definitions: hold on vs wait 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.
Wait on
- 1Serve people in a restaurant.
They have two people WAITING ON each table.
- 2Sell goods in a shop.
He WAITS ON customers in an electronics store.
- 3Provide someone with everything they need or want.
He has a butler who WAITS ON him.
- 4Wait for a result before being able to make a decision.
They're WAITING ON the results of the vote before taking a final decision.
Usage Examples: hold on, wait 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.
wait on
Example
She waits on customers at the cafe.
Example
He waits on tables at the restaurant.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Hold on
hang on
To wait or pause for a short period of time.
Example
Can you hang on for a minute while I finish this email?
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Wait on
To provide food, drinks, or other services to customers or guests.
Example
The waiter came to serve us our meals and asked if we needed anything else.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “hold”
Phrasal Verbs with “wait”
Differences in hold on vs wait on: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: hold on or wait on?
In daily conversation, people use hold on more often than wait on. This is because hold on is used in various situations, such as asking someone to wait on the phone or to pause a conversation. Wait on is less common and mainly used in service industries like restaurants or hotels. So, while both phrases are used, hold on is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of hold on and wait on
Hold on and wait 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 wait on
The tone of hold on and wait on can differ based on context. Hold on often carries a neutral or urgent tone when related to waiting or pausing, while wait on typically has a polite and attentive tone, especially when referring to serving customers or guests.
