Collocations are words that usually go together in English.
Here we are going to look at words that go with 'hold' to make useful and popular expressions you will hear in social and professional contexts.
Hold office
To 'hold office' means to have a high-ranking position in a large, powerful organization, especially a government.
Examples
- That politician seems to be involved in one scandal after another. He's not fit to hold office.
- The country has a ban on people with a criminal record holding public office.
- She's held office since her election victory four years ago.
Hold sway
If you 'hold sway', you have or exert control, power, and influence over somebody or something.
Examples
- Politics has become very divisive and reactionary. Rational arguments no longer hold sway.
- I can help you get that promotion. I hold a lot of sway around here.
- The press accused the President's wife of holding too much sway over his major decisions.
Hold information
If somebody or something is said to 'hold information', then they know, contain, or are in possession of it.
Examples
- The social media site illegally collected and held information on its users over a period of ten years.
- We need to interview the bank manager again. I believe she holds information crucial to solving this case.
- The new computer can hold enormous amounts of information. It is much more powerful than my last one.
Hold (a) belief
If you 'hold a belief', you have a strong thought or feeling that something is true or correct.
Examples
- I know Tom holds some controversial beliefs, but he never behaves in a discriminatory way towards others.
- There seems to be a universally held belief that governments are not doing enough to combat climate change.
- I suppose that holding the belief that children should not talk back to their parents makes me quite old fashioned.
Hold a discussion/conversation
To 'hold a discussion/conversation' means to organize or engage in a formal dialogue/informal chat with somebody.
Examples
- I would like to hold a discussion on the issues bothering staff so that complaints can be heard and addressed.
- My daughter's speech is coming along well. She can hold a conversation now.
- Discussions will be held next week to decide the best course of action.