What are the definitions of “hold down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Keep a job.
He's so unreliable that he can never HOLD DOWN a job for more than a couple of months.
- 2Stop someone or something from moving.
It took four of us to HOLD him DOWN and stop the fight.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “hold down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb hold down is to keep a job or maintain a position. It is often used to describe someone's ability to keep a job for a long time or to manage their responsibilities well.
What are the different verb forms of “hold down”?
| Root Verb | hold down |
| Third Person Singular Present | holds down |
| Present Participle | holding down |
| Simple Past | held down |
| Past Participle | held down |
Example
She is able to hold down a full-time job while studying.
Example
He holds down two part-time jobs to support his family.
Example
She is holding down a demanding job while raising her children.
Example
He held down the same job for 20 years before retiring.
Example
She has held down various positions in the company.
What kind of phrasal verb is “hold down”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“hold down” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She held down a job while attending school.
Example
He held down the fort while his boss was on vacation.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“hold down” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She held down a job while attending school.
Example
He held down the fort while his boss was on vacation.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “hold down”?
Good things to know
Does “hold down” have an informal or formal tone?
Hold down is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, depending on the specific context. For example, when discussing someone's employment history, hold down can be used in a formal context.
