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

Hold Off: Meaning, Usage, and Historical Story

📖 Definition

To hold off means to delay or postpone an action or an event, often to gain more time to prepare or strategize effectively.

Examples in context

The company decided to hold off its expansion plans until the economy improves.
He held off answering her question to buy time and gather his thoughts.
During the battle, the troops managed to hold off the enemy's advances until reinforcements arrived.

📖 Definition

To hold off means to delay or postpone an action or an event, often to gain more time to prepare or strategize effectively.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

The verb and particle can be separated by the object. E.g., 'hold the enemy off'.

Neutral

Can be used in both formal and informal contexts as it fits the situation.

Transitive

Yes

Requires a direct object, such as 'hold off the meeting'.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	hold off	They hold off their decision until next week.
Past Simple	held off	She held off her vacation due to work demands.
Present Continuous	holding off	He is holding off the project until he gets more information.
Present Perfect	have held off	They have held off the launch until further notice.

💡 When to Use

Postponing a decision

Used when someone is delaying making a decision to gather more information or consider the options available.

Example: "He'll hold off his decision until he reviews all the data."

Delaying an event

Appropriate when an event needs postponement due to unforeseen circumstances or readiness issues.

Example: "They decided to hold off the event due to bad weather."

Avoiding a confrontation

Useful when evading a possible confrontation or conflict until more favorable conditions emerge.

Example: "The team chose to hold off on addressing the issue until the manager returns."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect separation

❌ Wrong: Hold the off meeting.

✅ Correct: Hold off the meeting.

💡 Tip: Remember, separate the verb from the object, not the particle.

Missing object

❌ Wrong: We held off.

✅ Correct: We held off the presentation.

💡 Tip: Don’t forget to include what you're holding off.

Confusion with 'hold on'

❌ Wrong: Hold on the event until December.

✅ Correct: Hold off the event until December.

💡 Tip: ‘Hold on’ implies pausing temporarily without delay.

Practice

HOLD OFF - 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

The company decided to hold off its expansion plans until the economy improves.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

He held off answering her question to buy time and gather his thoughts.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

During the battle, the troops managed to hold off the enemy's advances until reinforcements arrived.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

postpone delay

Antonyms

initiate

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The board has decided to ___ the project until next quarter."

hold on

hold off

hold up

hold over

"To hold off decisions when emotions run high can lead to more clarity and better outcomes in life's perplexing moments."

In Context

In the early 19th century, General José de San Martín held off the independence movement in South America from Spanish rule until he meticulously gathered the needed resources. In 1817, aware of the strategic importance, he convinced his allies to hold off an immediate assault on Lima, despite pressure to advance. This delay allowed him time to prepare his forces more effectively and gather supplies. He understood that rushing into a direct confrontation without adequate numbers might lead to failure. In a strategic move, in 1821, San Martín finally swept through the Andes and into Chile, avoiding confrontations that he knew his troops couldn’t win. By holding off, he reinforced his army with local support, which eventually allowed him to take Lima peacefully and declare independence. It was due to his persistent efforts and strategic patience that the southern part of South America gained the momentum needed for further victories. The decision to hold off was crucial, not only enabling resource gathering but also fostering alliances. His patience and tactical acumen became legendary and crucial in liberating several countries from colonial control.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Hold Off

What is the origin of hold off?

The phrase 'hold off' originated in the 16th century, deriving from the concept of positioning oneself or something away or apart, emphasizing delay or evasion.

Can hold off be used in formal and informal contexts?

'Hold off' is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings, suitable for describing delays or deferments in various situations and contexts.

What is the difference between hold off and postpone?

While both mean to delay, 'hold off' implies more active resistance or strategic delay, whereas 'postpone' suggests a formal, scheduled deferment.

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 OFF - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Hold Off

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega