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 Out'

📖 Definition

To hold out means to resist or persevere in a difficult situation, often when under pressure, until help or a resolution arrives.

Examples in context

Despite the circumstances, she held out hope for better days.
The soldiers held out in the fortress for weeks.
He is holding out for a rainbow after the storm.

📖 Definition

To hold out means to resist or persevere in a difficult situation, often when under pressure, until help or a resolution arrives.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

The verb can be separated by the object in some contexts.

Neutral

Used in both formal and informal settings, widely acceptable.

Transitive

The phrasal verb does not need a direct object.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	hold out	They hold out hope for peace.
Past Simple	held out	She held out against the storm bravely.
Present Continuous	holding out	He is holding out for a better opportunity.
Present Perfect	has held out	The team has held out longer than expected.

💡 When to Use

Negotiations and deals

Use when someone waits for a better offer or terms during negotiations, demonstrating patience and strategy.

Example: "They decided to hold out for a better price."

Physical endurance

Applied when someone withstands physical hardships or challenges, using resilience to persevere.

Example: "Hikers held out through the night despite the cold."

Emotional resilience

Suitable when discussing emotional strength in the face of adversity or prolonged stress.

Example: "She managed to hold out during months of uncertainty."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect transitiveness

❌ Wrong: They held out the pressure.

✅ Correct: They held out against the pressure.

💡 Tip: Remember, there’s no direct object required.

Misplaced separation

❌ Wrong: He held patiently out for results.

✅ Correct: He held out patiently for results.

💡 Tip: Keep 'out' close to 'hold.'

Tense error

❌ Wrong: They holded out as long as possible.

✅ Correct: They held out as long as possible.

💡 Tip: Remember past tense: 'held,' not 'holded.'

Practice

HOLD OUT - 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

Despite the circumstances, she held out hope for better days.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

The soldiers held out in the fortress for weeks.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

He is holding out for a rainbow after the storm.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

endure persevere

Antonyms

surrender

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The defenders managed to ___ until reinforcements arrived."

hold up

hold out

hold in

hold back

"In life's journey, those who hold out in adversity often find the hidden path to their deepest potential and growth."

In Context

The Battle of Alesia in 52 BC marked a crucial turning point in the Gallic Wars. Julius Caesar, the renowned Roman general, had been pursuing the Gallic chieftain Vercingetorix, who attempted to hold out against the Roman legions. Encircled in the fortified city of Alesia, Vercingetorix called upon nearby tribes for reinforcements. As Caesar's forces built vast fortifications to simultaneously besiege and defend against reinforcements, Vercingetorix urged his warriors to hold out. Supplies dwindled and morale waned under the relentless Roman pressure. Days turned to weeks, and the once hopeful Gallic troops struggled to hold out amidst worsening conditions. Despite a valiant effort, the awaited rescue never came. Refusing to see his people starve or suffer further, Vercingetorix made the difficult decision to surrender. The capture of Alesia signaled the collapse of organized Gallic resistance, leading to Roman domination of Gaul. Vercingetorix was captured, held prisoner, and later executed in Rome. His attempt to hold out became legendary, symbolizing courage and the grim realities of resistance against overwhelming odds. Caesar's strategic brilliance further solidified his legacy, paving the way for his rise in Rome.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Hold Out

What is the origin of hold out?

The phrase 'hold out' has roots in Old English, with 'hold' meaning to grasp, and 'out' implying duration. It evolved to symbolize perseverance over time.

Can hold out be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'hold out' is a versatile phrasal verb suitable for both formal and informal contexts, ranging from business negotiations to casual conversations.

What is the difference between hold out and endure?

'Hold out' implies actively resisting or waiting for something better, while 'endure' involves tolerating discomfort passively without necessarily expecting change.

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 OUT - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Hold Out

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega