What are the definitions of “hold in”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To control or restrain something, especially one's emotions or physical appearance.
I was trying desperately to hold my tummy in.
- 2To suppress or restrain.
It can be bad for you to hold in anger.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “hold in”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb hold in is to control or restrain something, especially one's emotions or physical appearance. It can also mean to suppress or restrain a feeling or emotion.
What are the different verb forms of “hold in”?
| Root Verb | hold in |
| Third Person Singular Present | holds in |
| Present Participle | holding in |
| Simple Past | held in |
| Past Participle | held in |
Example
She tries to hold in her laughter during the meeting.
Example
He holds in his tears when watching a sad movie.
Example
She is holding in her excitement about the surprise party.
Example
He held in his anger during the argument.
Example
She had held in her feelings for him for years.
What kind of phrasal verb is “hold in”?
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 in” 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 in her tears during the sad scene.
Example
He held his anger in throughout the conversation.
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 in” 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 in her tears during the sad scene.
Example
He held his anger in throughout the conversation.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “hold in”?
Good things to know
Does “hold in” have an informal or formal tone?
Hold in 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.
