What Does โHold out for sthโ Mean?
โHold out for sthโ means to wait for something better or to refuse to accept less than what you want. It often refers to waiting for a more favorable offer or condition.
Introduction
The phrase โhold out for sthโ is a useful phrasal verb in English. It means not accepting less than what you really want. For example, if you are selling something, you might hold out for a higher price instead of accepting the first offer. The phrase is common in everyday conversations, especially when talking about negotiations or personal goals. Understanding the hold out for sth meaning helps you express patience and determination clearly. It shows you are willing to wait for the right opportunity or deal, rather than settling quickly.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: hold out for something
- Type: Inseparable
- Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
- Short meaning: To wait for or demand something better before agreeing
Structure (Grammar Rules)
โHold out for sthโ is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means you cannot place the object between โhold outโ and โfor.โ
- Correct: hold out for something
- Incorrect: hold out something for
Patterns:
- Subject + hold out for + noun/pronoun
- Example: She held out for a higher salary.
How to Use โHold out for sthโ?
You use โhold out for sthโ when you want to express waiting or refusing to accept less than what you hope for. It is common when negotiating prices, job offers, or even in personal decisions.
For example, if you are buying a car, you might hold out for a better deal instead of buying immediately. It shows patience and a clear goal.
Examples
Here are some natural examples to help you understand โhold out for sth in a sentenceโ:
- They decided to hold out for a better offer before selling their house.
- Iโm holding out for a promotion at work.
- Donโt accept that salary yet; hold out for something higher.
- She held out for a chance to study abroad instead of taking a local job.
- We should hold out for a discount on the new phone.
Common Mistakes
People sometimes confuse the word order or use the phrase incorrectly. Here are some common mistakes:
- Incorrect: I will hold out something for a better price.
- Correct: I will hold out for a better price.
- Incorrect: They held out for it something.
- Correct: They held out for something better.
Remember, the object always comes after โfor.โ
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrasal verbs include โhold on toโ and โhold up.โ However, they have different meanings.
- Hold on to: To keep something, not give it away.
- Hold up: To delay or to rob.
- Hold out for: To wait for or demand something better.
Unlike โhold on to,โ which means to keep, โhold out forโ is about waiting or refusing to accept less.
Common Collocations
โHold out forโ is often used with:
- Better offer โ waiting for a more favorable deal
- Higher price โ refusing to sell cheaply
- Promotion โ hoping for a better job position
- Discount โ waiting for a price reduction
- Chance/opportunity โ waiting for a better moment
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of hold out for sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation using โhold out for sthโ:
Anna: Have you accepted the job offer yet?
Ben: Not yet. Iโm holding out for a higher salary.
Anna: Thatโs smart. Donโt settle for less than you deserve.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence:
- A) I will hold out a better price for the car.
- B) I will hold out for a better price for the car.
- C) I will hold out the car for a better price.
Answer: B
FAQs
- What does โhold out for sthโ mean? It means to wait or refuse to accept less than what you want.
- Is โhold out for sthโ separable? No, it is an inseparable phrasal verb.
- Can I use โhold out forโ with people? Itโs usually used with things like offers, prices, or opportunities, not people.
- Whatโs a common mistake with โhold out for sthโ? Placing the object between โhold outโ and โforโ is incorrect.
- Is โhold out forโ formal or informal? It is mostly informal but common in both spoken and written English.
