HELD TOGETHER

Human Communication

"In times of chaos, it's the unseen threads of unity that hold together the fragile fabric of humanity, ensuring survival."

📖 Definition

The phrase 'held together' refers to the way in which elements are maintained as a cohesive, organized unit, preventing chaos or falling apart.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

The phrase 'held together' refers to the way in which elements are maintained as a cohesive, organized unit, preventing chaos or falling apart.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
No
'Held together' is used as a fixed expression and cannot be split by other words.
Register
Neutral
Suitable for both formal and informal contexts without specific restrictions.
Transitive
No
'Held together' is used intransitively and does not require a direct object.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple hold together Communities hold together in times of crisis.
Past Simple held together They held together during the difficult times.
Present Continuous holding together The team is holding together amid the challenges.
Present Perfect have held together They have held together through many obstacles.

💡 When to Use

during challenging times
Use to describe elements maintaining unity or strength when facing difficulties or stress.
Example: "The community held together during the hurricane."
describing group cohesion
Apply when discussing how a group remains unified in spite of potential conflicts or disruptions.
Example: "The project team held together despite the tight deadlines."
maintaining structural integrity
Use when talking about physical or metaphorical structures staying intact under pressure.
Example: "The old bridge held together after the earthquake."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

tense confusion
❌ Wrong: The structure hold together during the storm.
✅ Correct: The structure held together during the storm.
💡 Tip: Ensure the verb tense matches the time frame being described.
separability error
❌ Wrong: They held it together.
✅ Correct: They held together.
💡 Tip: 'Held together' should not be split with additional words.
agreement error
❌ Wrong: The team holds together well last year.
✅ Correct: The team held together well last year.
💡 Tip: Match your verbs in tense.
Practice

HELD 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

    Despite the odds, the family held together through the financial crisis.

    Words Multiplied
  • 2
    Listen to example

    The diverse cultures held together, enriching the city's tapestry of traditions.

    Words Multiplied
  • 3
    Listen to example

    As the storms raged, the ancient castle walls held together, defiant and proud.

    Words Multiplied

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

unify cohere

Antonyms

fall apart

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"In dire times, the community ___ together to face challenges."

holding over
held together
held under
hold across

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Held Together

What is the origin of 'held together'?

+
The phrase originates from the basic verb 'hold,' meaning to grasp or maintain stability, combined with 'together,' implying unity. This phrasal verb has long been used in English to convey the idea of sustaining collective integrity or cohesion.

Can 'held together' be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
'Held together' is used in a neutral manner, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its versatile nature makes it applicable in professional settings, casual conversations, and literary works, providing flexibility across different registers.

What is the difference between 'held together' and 'unify'?

+
'Held together' emphasizes maintaining existing unity, particularly under strain, whereas 'unify' refers to the act of bringing disparate elements into a single cohesive unit. Use 'held together' for sustaining, and 'unify' for creating unity.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Explore more phrasal verbs in our dictionary:

stick togetherkeep togetherpull togetherstay togetherhold on
Browse All Words Multiplied 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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