What does the phrasal verb “hold on to” mean?

What are the definitions of “hold on to”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Hold tightly.

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

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb hold on to is to grip something tightly or securely. It is often used to describe holding something so that it doesn't fall, get lost, or get stolen.

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

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

Example

He is holding on to the handlebars while riding his bike.

Example

Yesterday, they held on to their hats because it was very windy.

Example

The baby held on to her mother's hand while walking.

What kind of phrasal verb is “hold on to”?

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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.)

Transitive verb

“hold on to” 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 on to her umbrella during the storm.

Example

He held on to his friend's arm for support.

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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 to” 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 on to her umbrella during the storm.

Example

He held on to his friend's arm for support.

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

Hold on to a memory

Keep a memory or experience in one's mind.

Example

She held on to the memory of their first date for years.

Hold on to a belief

Maintain a belief or opinion, even when challenged.

Example

Despite the criticism, he held on to his belief in the project's success.

Hold on to a position

Keep a job or role, especially when it is at risk.

Example

She worked hard to hold on to her position as team leader.

Good things to know

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

Hold on to 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.

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

Synonyms

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

Antonyms

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