Hold sb up as sth Meaning, Examples & How to Use the Phrase

What Does “Hold sb up as sth” Mean?

“Hold sb up as sth” means to present or regard someone as a good example or model of something. It often implies admiration or respect for the person being held up.

Introduction

The phrase “Hold sb up as sth” is commonly used in English to express that someone is considered a role model or an example of a particular quality or achievement. For instance, a teacher might hold up a student as an example of hard work and dedication. Understanding the “Hold sb up as sth” meaning helps learners use this phrase naturally in conversations and writing. It highlights admiration or respect, showing that someone’s behavior or success is worth emulating. This phrase is useful in both formal and informal contexts, making it a valuable expression to know.

Quick Info Box

• Phrasal verb: Hold somebody up as something
• Type: Transitive
• Level: B2
• Short meaning: To present someone as a good example of something

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Hold sb up as sth” is a transitive phrasal verb and is inseparable. This means the object (sb) must come immediately after “hold,” and “up as” stays together.

• Correct pattern: hold + somebody + up as + something
• Incorrect: hold up + somebody + as + something

Example: They hold her up as a leader in the community.

How to Use “Hold sb up as sth”?

This phrase is used when you want to say that someone is admired or respected for a particular quality or achievement. It often appears in discussions about role models, standards, or examples to follow.

You can use it in various contexts such as education, work, sports, or personal life.

Example contexts:

• Teachers holding up students as examples
• Companies holding up successful employees as models
• Parents holding up good behavior as examples for children

Examples

Here are some examples of how to use “Hold sb up as sth in a sentence” naturally:

• The coach held the captain up as a symbol of dedication and teamwork.
• Many people hold her up as an example of courage and determination.
• The company holds up its founder as a pioneer in the industry.
• In the ceremony, the teacher held up the student’s achievements as proof of hard work.
• We often hold up leaders who show integrity as role models for society.

Common Mistakes

People sometimes confuse the order of words or use the phrase incorrectly. Here are some common mistakes and their corrections:

• Incorrect: They hold up her as a good example.
  Correct: They hold her up as a good example.
• Incorrect: She is held up like a model.
  Correct: She is held up as a model.

Remember, “hold sb up” must be followed immediately by the person, then “as” and the example or quality.

Differences / Synonyms

It’s helpful to compare “hold sb up as sth” with similar phrases like “look up to,” “set sb up as,” or “hold sb in high regard.”

• Hold sb up as sth means to present someone publicly as an example to admire.
• Look up to sb means to admire or respect someone personally.
• Set sb up as sth can mean to establish someone’s reputation but sometimes implies preparation or framing.
• Hold sb in high regard means to respect someone deeply, but not necessarily present them as an example.

Choose “hold sb up as sth” when emphasizing someone being shown as a model for others.

Common Collocations

Here are some frequent collocations with “hold sb up as sth” and their meanings:

• Hold sb up as an example – to use someone as a model to follow
• Hold sb up as a role model – to present someone as worthy of imitation
• Hold sb up as a leader – to show someone as a leading figure
• Hold sb up as a symbol – to represent someone as a sign of something bigger
• Hold sb up as an inspiration – to present someone as motivational

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of hold sb up as sth:

• Hold Sth Down
• Hold On To Sth
• Hold Sth Over Sb
• Hold Onto Sth
• Hold Out Sth

Real-life Dialogue

Here is a short conversation using “hold sb up as sth”:

Anna: Our manager really holds John up as a great example of hard work.

Ben: Yes, he always talks about John’s dedication in meetings.

Anna: It motivates the whole team to improve.

Practice

Complete the sentences with the correct form of the phrase “hold sb up as sth”:

• The teacher _______ Sarah _______ a model student for her kindness.
• Many admire the scientist and _______ her _______ a pioneer.
• We should _______ our elders _______ examples of wisdom.

FAQs

• Q: Can “hold sb up as sth” be used in formal writing?
  A: Yes, it is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
• Q: Is “hold sb up” separable?
  A: No, the object must come immediately after “hold.”
• Q: What does “sth” mean in “hold sb up as sth”?
  A: “sth” stands for “something,” usually a quality or example.
• Q: Can “hold sb up as sth” be used in the passive voice?
  A: Yes, for example: “She is held up as a role model.”
• Q: How is this phrase different from “look up to someone”?
  A: “Hold sb up as sth” means showing someone as an example, while “look up to” means admiring someone personally.