What are the definitions of “hold out on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Not pay someone or give them information.
He's been HOLDING OUT ON me for weeks and I really need the money.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “hold out on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb hold out on is to not give someone the money, information, or help they need or expect. It often implies that someone is being secretive or withholding something on purpose.
What are the different verb forms of “hold out on”?
| Root Verb | hold out on |
| Third Person Singular Present | holds out on |
| Present Participle | holding out on |
| Simple Past | held out on |
| Past Participle | held out on |
Example
She always holds out on me when it comes to sharing her recipes.
Example
He holds out on his friends when they ask for advice.
Example
They are holding out on us, and we need to find out why.
Example
She held out on me when I asked for help with my project.
Example
He had held out on them for months, refusing to share the information.
What kind of phrasal verb is “hold out on”?
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 on” 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 out on me when I asked for help.
Example
He held out on his friends when they asked for advice.
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 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
She held out on me when I asked for help.
Example
He held out on his friends when they asked for advice.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “hold out on”?
Hold out on a secret
Keep a secret from someone or not share important information.
Example
She held out on the secret, not wanting to hurt her friend's feelings.
Hold out on payment
Refuse to pay someone the money they are owed or expect.
Example
The company held out on payment, causing financial difficulties for the workers.
Hold out on support
Refuse to provide help or assistance to someone.
Example
He held out on support when his friend needed it the most.
Good things to know
Does “hold out on” have an informal or formal tone?
Hold out on is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations. In more formal settings, alternative phrases such as 'withhold information' or 'refuse to pay' may be more appropriate.
