What are the definitions of “hold out against”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Try to reject.
The staff are HOLDING OUT AGAINST the plans to reduce the workforce.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “hold out against”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb hold out against is to resist or oppose something, such as a plan, proposal, or change. It often implies that someone is trying to reject or prevent something from happening.
What are the different verb forms of “hold out against”?
| Root Verb | hold out against |
| Third Person Singular Present | holds out against |
| Present Participle | holding out against |
| Simple Past | held out against |
| Past Participle | held out against |
Example
The workers hold out against the new policy.
Example
She holds out against the company's decision to cut benefits.
Example
The union is holding out against the proposed wage cuts.
Example
They held out against the changes for as long as they could.
Example
The employees had held out against the new rules, but eventually, they had to accept them.
What kind of phrasal verb is “hold out against”?
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 out against” 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
The team held out against the pressure from the management.
Example
She held out against the proposed changes to the project.
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 out against” 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
The team held out against the pressure from the management.
Example
She held out against the proposed changes to the project.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “hold out against”?
Good things to know
Does “hold out against” have an informal or formal tone?
Hold out against 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, such as business meetings or negotiations.
