What does the phrasal verb “hold on” mean?

What are the definitions of “hold on”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Wait.

  Could you HOLD ON for a minute; she'll be free in a moment.

• 2. To hold tightly.

  We HELD ON as the bus started to move.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “hold on”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb hold on is to wait for a short time. It is often used when someone needs a moment to complete a task or find information before continuing a conversation or activity.

What are the different verb forms of “hold on”?

Root Verb	hold on
Third Person Singular Present	holds on
Present Participle	holding on
Simple Past	held on
Past Participle	held on

Example

Please hold on while I find the document you need.

Example

She holds on to the railing when going down the stairs.

Example

He is holding on to the phone, waiting for the call to be transferred.

Example

Yesterday, they held on to the rope during the team-building exercise.

Example

The package was held on to until the recipient arrived to pick it up.

What kind of phrasal verb is “hold on”?

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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.)

Intransitive verb

“hold on” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.

Example

Please hold on while I check the schedule.

Example

She held on as the bus started to move.

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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 on” 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

Please hold on while I check the schedule.

Example

She held on as the bus started to move.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “hold on”?

Hold on to something

To grip or grasp something tightly, often for support or stability.

Example

He held on to the railing as he climbed the steep stairs.

Hold on to a belief or idea

To continue believing in or supporting something, even when it is challenged or difficult.

Example

She held on to her dreams of becoming a writer, despite the challenges she faced.

Hold on tight

To grip something very firmly, often in anticipation of sudden movement or to prevent falling.

Example

When the roller coaster started, the passengers were told to hold on tight.

Good things to know

Does “hold on” have an informal or formal tone?

Hold on is generally considered neutral to informal in tone. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can be used in both casual and more formal settings, depending on the context. For example, it may be used in a business meeting when asking someone to wait for a moment, or in a casual conversation with friends.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “hold on”?

Synonyms

• wait
• pause
• grip
• grasp
• cling
• adhere
• hang on
• cling to

Antonyms

• release
• surrender
• abandon
• quit
• relinquish
• let go
• give up