HOLD DOWN

National Parks

📖 Definition

To maintain control or manage a situation, task, or responsibility effectively, often under challenging conditions. It can also mean successfully keeping a job.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

To maintain control or manage a situation, task, or responsibility effectively, often under challenging conditions. It can also mean successfully keeping a job.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
Yes
You can place the object between 'hold' and 'down'.
Register
Neutral
Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.
Transitive
Yes
Requires a direct object to complete its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple hold down I try to hold down a full-time job while studying.
Past Simple held down She held down her responsibilities despite the challenges.
Present Continuous holding down He is holding down multiple projects at once.
Present Perfect have held down They have held down their roles for several years.

💡 When to Use

Maintaining a position
Use when referring to successfully keeping a job or position under challenging circumstances.
Example: "She managed to hold down her job despite the recession."
Managing responsibilities
When referring to effectively managing multiple tasks or responsibilities simultaneously.
Example: "He holds down several key responsibilities in the organization."
Controlling an area
Use in military or strategic contexts to mean maintaining control of a territory or situation.
Example: "The troops held down the fort through the night."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect object placement
❌ Wrong: Hold my job down.
✅ Correct: Hold down my job.
💡 Tip: Place 'down' after the verb 'hold'.
Using as intransitive
❌ Wrong: He held down last year.
✅ Correct: He held down his role last year.
💡 Tip: Always include an object when using 'hold down'.
Confusing with 'hold onto'
❌ Wrong: I'm holding down my old toys.
✅ Correct: I'm holding onto my old toys.
💡 Tip: 'Hold down' involves control; 'hold onto' is about possession.
Practice

HOLD DOWN - 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

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

maintain sustain

Antonyms

lose

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"She struggled to ___ the multiple tasks assigned to her."

hold up
hold down
hold on
hold over

"Holding down your dreams requires strength, persistence, and resilience amidst life's uncertainties and challenges, shaping one's journey to success."

In Context

During World War II, the Normandy landings marked a crucial point in the Allied efforts to liberate Europe from Nazi occupation. General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force, played a pivotal role in this historic operation known as D-Day. Eisenhower had to hold down various strategic concerns, from weather conditions to the element of surprise. Holding down the morale of the diverse troops was another challenge, as soldiers from different nations had to collaborate for a common cause. The operation's success was not guaranteed, and pressures from both political and military figures weighed heavily on Eisenhower. As the day of the invasion approached, he held down his own anxieties, knowing that failure could have a disastrous impact on the war's outcome. On June 6, 1944, the operation commenced at dawn. Despite initial setbacks, including severe weather and stiff German resistance, the Allies managed to hold down their positions on the beaches. Eisenhower's ability to hold down these multifaceted responsibilities most certainly contributed to the eventual victory in Europe, altering the course of history.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Hold Down

What is the origin of hold down?

+
The phrasal verb 'hold down' likely stems from the literal sense of keeping something in place, evolving into a metaphor for maintaining control or stability in tasks and responsibilities among various English-speaking communities.

Can hold down be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
Yes, 'hold down' can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is versatile enough to describe maintaining a job, control, or responsibilities and is appropriate for various settings, including workplace discussions.

What is the difference between hold down and maintain?

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'Hold down' implies an active effort to manage or control often challenging circumstances, while 'maintain' can mean keeping something in a steady state, sometimes without the same connotation of difficulty. 'Hold down' is more dynamic in context.

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Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs
National Parks 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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