HOLD TOGETHER

Human Communication

"In challenging times, what holds us together is not the absence of chaos, but the strength of our connections and trust."

📖 Definition

To hold together means to maintain unity, coherence, or stability between people, objects, or ideas, especially during challenging times.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

To hold together means to maintain unity, coherence, or stability between people, objects, or ideas, especially during challenging times.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
No
It cannot be separated by its object.
Register
Neutral
It is suitable for formal and informal contexts.
Transitive
Yes
It requires a direct object; something must be held together.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple hold together Communities hold together during disasters.
Past Simple held together The team held together through tough times.
Present Continuous holding together They are holding together despite challenges.
Present Perfect have held together They have held together for a decade.

💡 When to Use

In times of crisis
Use when describing how people, groups, or entities stay unified during adversity or difficult situations.
Example: "The town held together after the hurricane struck."
Maintaining structural stability
Use to describe how physical objects or systems remain intact under pressure or strain.
Example: "The old bridge held together in the storm."
Supporting emotional bonds
Use to describe the emotional or psychological unity of individuals or groups.
Example: "Their friendship held together through the years."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Using without an object
❌ Wrong: The team held during the crisis.
✅ Correct: The team held together during the crisis.
💡 Tip: Always include 'together' for unity context.
Incorrect tense usage
❌ Wrong: The family hold together under stress.
✅ Correct: The family holds together under stress.
💡 Tip: Use the correct present tense form.
Wrong preposition
❌ Wrong: They held with each other in hard times.
✅ Correct: They held together in hard times.
💡 Tip: Use 'together' instead of other prepositions.
Practice

HOLD TOGETHER - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

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

Examples in Context

  • 1
    Listen to example

    Even in adversity, their relationship held together firmly.

    Words In The Wind
  • 2
    Listen to example

    The fabric needs special treatment to hold together.

    Words In The Wind
  • 3
    Listen to example

    Despite disagreements, the committee held together well.

    Words In The Wind

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

unite cohere

Antonyms

fall apart

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Despite the storm, the old house managed to ___ ."

hold over
hold together
hold up
hold forth

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Hold Together

What is the origin of hold together?

+
The phrasal verb 'hold together' originated in the English language during the 16th century, reflecting the need for describing the cohesive force keeping groups or structures intact.

Can hold together be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
'Hold together' is versatile and suitable for both formal and informal contexts, as it can describe emotional, social, or physical unity in various situations.

What is the difference between hold together and unite?

+
'Hold together' implies maintaining existing unity, especially under stress, while 'unite' refers to forming unity initially, often through a deliberate action.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Explore more phrasal verbs in our dictionary:

stick togetherkeep togetherstay togetherpull togethercome together
Browse All Words In The Wind Phrasal Verbs
Human Communication Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra Nóbrega
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



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