What are the definitions of “hold onto”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Keep as long as possible.
It tried to HOLD ONTO my cash during the holiday so I could buy some duty free stuff on the way back.
- 2Hold tightly.
The mother HELD ONTO her daughter's hand to keep together in the crowd.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “hold onto”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb hold onto is to keep something in your possession or to hold something tightly. It can be used to describe holding an object, keeping money, or maintaining a relationship.
What are the different verb forms of “hold onto”?
| Root Verb | hold onto |
| Third Person Singular Present | holds onto |
| Present Participle | holding onto |
| Simple Past | held onto |
| Past Participle | held onto |
Example
She always holds onto her purse when walking in crowded areas.
Example
He holds onto his old toys for sentimental reasons.
Example
The child is holding onto the railing while climbing the stairs.
Example
They held onto their tickets until the end of the event.
Example
She had held onto the hope that he would return.
What kind of phrasal verb is “hold onto”?
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 onto” 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 onto her purse tightly.
Example
He held onto his memories of their time together.
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 onto” 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 onto her purse tightly.
Example
He held onto his memories of their time together.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “hold onto”?
Hold onto your hat
A phrase used to warn someone to prepare for something exciting or surprising.
Example
This roller coaster is really fast, so hold onto your hat!
Hold onto your dreams
Encouragement to keep pursuing one's goals and aspirations.
Example
Don't give up, always hold onto your dreams.
Hold onto a grudge
To continue feeling resentment or anger towards someone for a past offense.
Example
She held onto a grudge against her former friend for years.
Good things to know
Does “hold onto” have an informal or formal tone?
Hold onto 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.
