Meaning trap
hold up
support
To physically support or keep something in position so it does not fall.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
To physically support or keep something in position so it does not fall.
Another meaning of 'hold up' is 'delay'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- The old bridge is held up by strong steel cables.daily life
- Modern buildings are often held up by a steel frame, which makes them stronger and safer.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: hold (something) up
WrongWhat holds up it?
RightWhat holds it up?
With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle — 'hold it up'.
Patternhold (something) up
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Hold up' is the plain verb for physically supporting. 'Provide structural support for' is engineer-speak.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
hold upthe roofthe shelfyour trousersthe bridge
Don't confuse it
'Hold up' (support) is about keeping something in place, not about making it higher.
Related
- hold up (delay) — Another meaning of 'hold up' is 'delay'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.