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Grammar fix

hold out for

wait until you get what you want

To refuse to accept less than what you want, and keep waiting until you get it.

phrasal verbB2occasional

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • She decided to hold out for a better job offer instead of accepting the first one.daily life
  • In my opinion, it's sometimes wise to hold out for the right opportunity rather than rushing into a decision.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: hold out for + noun/gerund

WrongHe's holding out a higher salary.

RightHe's holding out for a higher salary.

Don't drop 'for' — 'hold out FOR what you want'.

Patternhold out for + noun/gerund

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff She declined all offers in anticipation of a superior one.

Natural She's holding out for a better offer.

'Hold out for' captures 'refuse and wait for something better'; the paraphrase is wordy.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • hold out for
    fora better dealmore moneythe right one

Don't confuse it

'Hold out for' is stronger than just 'wait for'—it means you are rejecting other offers or options until you get your preferred one.

Try it in Daily Speak →