Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Understanding the Phrasal Verb 'Hold On To'

📖 Definition

To retain or keep possession of something; to maintain a grip on an idea, item, or state of being and not let it go.

Examples in context

During tough times, it's important to hold on to positivity and faith in the future.
Children often hold on to their favorite toys for comfort and security.
Leaders must hold on to their vision, adapting to changes without losing core values.

📖 Definition

To retain or keep possession of something; to maintain a grip on an idea, item, or state of being and not let it go.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

The phrasal verb 'hold on to' must be used as a unit.

Neutral

Suitable for both casual and formal contexts, making it versatile in use.

Transitive

Yes

Requires a direct object to complete the action, e.g., hold on to a belief.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	hold on to	I hold on to my grandmother's advice.
Past Simple	held on to	She held on to hope during the difficult times.
Present Continuous	holding on to	He is holding on to the last few minutes of daylight.
Present Perfect	have held on to	They have held on to their traditions for generations.

💡 When to Use

Maintaining possession

Use it when discussing the act of keeping something, whether physical or abstract.

Example: "She held on to her grandmother's heirloom."

Emotional resilience

Use when referring to perseverance in difficult emotional circumstances.

Example: "They held on to hope despite the challenges."

Sticking to beliefs

Use to describe steadfast adherence to personal values or beliefs.

Example: "He held on to his beliefs even when pressured."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Using 'onto' instead of 'on to'

❌ Wrong: I held onto my dreams despite the challenges.

✅ Correct: I held on to my dreams despite the challenges.

💡 Tip: 'Hold on to' needs a space between 'on' and 'to'.

Using it non-transitively

❌ Wrong: She held on during the storm.

✅ Correct: She held on to the railing during the storm.

💡 Tip: Always include what is being held on to.

Incorrect tense usage

❌ Wrong: He hold on to his old books.

✅ Correct: He holds on to his old books.

💡 Tip: Ensure subject-verb agreement in tense.

Practice

HOLD ON TO - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

During tough times, it's important to hold on to positivity and faith in the future.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

Children often hold on to their favorite toys for comfort and security.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

Leaders must hold on to their vision, adapting to changes without losing core values.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

cling to keep

Antonyms

let go of

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"During the storm, they ___ to each other for safety."

held

hold on to

holded

holding

"To truly succeed in life, one must learn to hold on to dreams, for they are the compass guiding our journey with passion and purpose."

In Context

During the siege of Vicksburg in 1863, General Ulysses S. Grant had to hold on to his unwavering determination to capture the strategic Confederate city. The siege, a pivotal moment in the American Civil War, tested both military strategy and personal resolve. Initially, the Union forces faced daunting challenges, including harsh terrain and limited supplies. Despite these obstacles, Grant held on to his belief that controlling the Mississippi River was crucial for victory. Midway through the campaign, his troops began to show signs of weariness and doubt. It was during these trying times that Grant's leadership shone through. He inspired his soldiers to hold on to their mission, emphasizing the greater purpose that lay beyond the immediate hardships. On July 4, 1863, after 47 days of siege warfare, the city of Vicksburg finally surrendered. This victory not only marked a turning point in the war but also underscored the importance of resilience. Grant's ability to hold on to his strategic vision and encourage those around him proved instrumental in the Union's triumph. This story of perseverance remains a testament to the power of determination and conviction in the face of adversity.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Hold On To

What is the origin of hold on to?

The phrasal verb 'hold on to' originates from the Old English word 'haldan', meaning 'to keep'. Over time, it evolved to express both physical and metaphorical retention.

Can hold on to be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'hold on to' is neutral in register, making it versatile for both formal and informal contexts. It effectively conveys retention of objects, ideas, or emotions.

What is the difference between hold on to and cling to?

While both imply retention, 'cling to' often suggests a more desperate or emotional attachment, whereas 'hold on to' can be more neutral and is suitable for a wider range of contexts.

Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs

About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

HOLD ON TO - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Hold On To

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega