Cool MateCarry vs Hold this
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Carry
Top 1,000 (very common)A1verb
Hold this
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Carry
| Carry | Hold this | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈkæri/","/ˈkæriz/","/ˈkærid/","/ˈkæriɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈkæri/","/ˈkæriz/","/ˈkærid/","/ˈkæriɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //həʊld ðɪs//🇺🇸 //hoʊld ðɪs// |
| Meaning | To hold something and move it from one place to another. | To keep or carry something for a short time. |
| Example | I will carry the groceries into the house. | Can you **hold this** bag while I tie my shoe? |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A1 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | carry a bag, carry out an assignment, carry someone’s weight, carry a message | hold this item, hold this position, hold this thought |
| Antonyms | drop, leave, abandon | - |
| Common mistakes | Using 'carry' without an object, like saying 'I will carry.', Confusing 'carry' with 'take' when implying movement without physical hold., Incorrectly using 'carry' in passive voice constructions. | Using 'held' instead of 'hold' in present contexts., Confusing with 'grab' which implies more force., Using 'hold it' without specifying the object. |
| Usage notes | Use 'carry' when talking about physically moving something. It's appropriate in most contexts but can be less formal in casual conversations. | Used in casual conversation or when giving someone something to carry temporarily. Avoid in formal writing. |
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Frequently asked questions: Carry vs Hold this
What's the difference between Carry and Hold this?
Carry: To hold something and move it from one place to another. Hold this: To keep or carry something for a short time.
Which is more common: Carry and Hold this?
Carry is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Carry: I will carry the groceries into the house. Hold this: Can you **hold this** bag while I tie my shoe?
Can I use Carry and Hold this interchangeably?
Not always. Carry and Hold this are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.