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'

📖 Definition

"Hold on" means to endure or persist, especially during challenging periods, or to physically grasp something tightly and refrain from letting go.

Examples in context

Hold on to your dreams, even when times are tough and paths uncertain.
As the boat rocked, the passengers held on to their seats for safety.
Hold on a second; I haven’t finished explaining the directions yet.

📖 Definition

"Hold on" means to endure or persist, especially during challenging periods, or to physically grasp something tightly and refrain from letting go.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

The words must be used together without intervening phrases or words.

Neutral

Suitable for both casual and formal contexts.

Transitive

Does not require a direct object to complete its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	hold on	We hold on during tough times.
Past Simple	held on	Despite the challenges, they held on.
Present Continuous	holding on	She is holding on despite the difficulties.
Present Perfect	have held on	They have held on through many hardships.

💡 When to Use

Enduring tough situations

Use when encouraging persistence despite difficulties, suggesting patience and resilience to overcome challenges.

Example: "Even when things get hard, hold on to your goals."

Physically grasping something

Applicable when referring to maintaining physical grip on an object, such as holding onto a handrail.

Example: "Hold on to the railing while climbing the stairs."

Requesting patience or attention

Use when asking someone to pause or listen carefully, typically when more information is forthcoming.

Example: "Hold on a moment; I have more to say."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Using 'hold on' transitively

❌ Wrong: Hold on the rope.

✅ Correct: Hold on to the rope.

💡 Tip: Remember, 'hold on' needs the preposition 'to' for objects.

Using in formal writing

❌ Wrong: Please hold on during the presentation.

✅ Correct: Please maintain attention during the presentation.

💡 Tip: Choose less informal equivalents in formal settings.

Confusing with 'hold'

❌ Wrong: I need to hold on this for a second.

✅ Correct: I need to hold this for a second.

💡 Tip: 'Hold on' suggests longer endurance versus immediate holding.

Practice

HOLD ON - 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

Hold on to your dreams, even when times are tough and paths uncertain.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

As the boat rocked, the passengers held on to their seats for safety.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

Hold on a second; I haven’t finished explaining the directions yet.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

persevere endure

Antonyms

let go

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"In challenging times, it is important to ___ on and remain hopeful."

let off

hold on

hold over

give up

"When storms rage and paths blur, hold on to hope; even the darkest nights yield to bright dawns and newfound clarity."

In Context

In the winter of 1777, General George Washington faced a pivotal moment during the American Revolutionary War at Valley Forge. The Continental Army was entrenched in a survival battle, amid harsh conditions and dwindling supplies. Washington knew they had to hold on through the brutal season to continue their fight for independence. Throughout the ordeal, he inspired his troops with speeches and personal resilience, urging them to hold on even when the world seemed to crumble around them. As the days grew colder, supplies further diminished, and morale dipped, the general continuously reminded them of their greater purpose. ‘Hold on,’ he would echo around the encampment, emphasizing the necessity to persevere for a brighter future. Even when doubts seeped into the minds of his men, Washington’s steadfast leadership and ability to hold chaos together illustrated unyielding determination. The turning point came when news of France’s alliance reached the camp, revitalizing spirits. By spring, the Continental Army emerged stronger, having transformed their hardship into resilience. The decision to hold on had paid off. Valley Forge proved a testament to the power of enduring hope in the face of adversity, cementing Washington’s role as an indispensable leader.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Hold On

What is the origin of hold on?

The phrase 'hold on' originates from Old English, where 'hold' meant to keep or carry. Over time, this evolved into a phrasal verb indicating persistence or maintaining grip, both physically and figuratively.

Can hold on be used in formal and informal contexts?

'Hold on' is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal situations, consider using alternatives like 'maintain' or 'persevere' for a more polished tone.

What is the difference between hold on and persevere?

'Hold on' implies maintaining grip or remaining patient during adversity, sometimes physically. 'Persevere' is a more formal term specifically describing persistence in difficulty, particularly for long-term challenges or tasks.

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 - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Hold On

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega