Cool MateHold this vs Support
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Hold this
Top 2,000 (common)
Support
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
Most common: Support
| Hold this | Support | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //həʊld ðɪs//🇺🇸 //hoʊld ðɪs// | 🇬🇧 /["/səˈpɔːt/","/səˈpɔːts/","/səˈpɔːtɪd/","/səˈpɔːtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/səˈpɔːrt/","/səˈpɔːrts/","/səˈpɔːrtɪd/","/səˈpɔːrtɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To keep or carry something for a short time. | To give help or assistance. |
| Example | Can you **hold this** bag while I tie my shoe? | I want to support my friends in their endeavors. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | - | A2 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | hold this item, hold this position, hold this thought | overwhelmingly, fervently, fully, agree to, pledge to, promise to, in, be well supported, be widely supported, support and encourage somebody/something, overwhelmingly, fervently, fully, agree to, pledge to, promise to, in, be well supported, be widely supported, support and encourage somebody/something, financially, generously, partially, help (to), through, financially, generously, partially, help (to), through, strongly, weakly, adequately, appear to, seem to, tend to, be supported by data, be supported by evidence, be well supported |
| Antonyms | - | oppose, hinder, neglect |
| Common mistakes | Using 'held' instead of 'hold' in present contexts., Confusing with 'grab' which implies more force., Using 'hold it' without specifying the object. | Confused with 'supplement', which means to add to something., Using 'support' as a noun without clarification (e.g. 'She gave support' is vague)., Mixing up 'support' and 'oppose'. |
| Usage notes | Used in casual conversation or when giving someone something to carry temporarily. Avoid in formal writing. | This word can be used in many contexts like emotional support, financial help, or supporting a cause. It's appropriate in both casual and formal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Hold this vs Support
What's the difference between Hold this and Support?
Hold this: To keep or carry something for a short time. Support: To give help or assistance.
Which is more common: Hold this and Support?
Support is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Hold this: Can you **hold this** bag while I tie my shoe? Support: I want to support my friends in their endeavors.
Can I use Hold this and Support interchangeably?
Not always. Hold this and Support 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.