There are many words in the English language with multiple meanings. Two such words are “hold” and “keep.” Though they both have to do with retaining something, their definitions are not exactly the same. Here is a breakdown of the differences between hold and keep.
What is Hold?
The hold is a light grip or support given with the hand. Hold can also refer to an action in which someone takes something in their hand and keeps it there. When a person holds an object, their fingers wrap around it and their palm supports the bottom or back of it.
- The person’s thumb may also rest on top of the object. If the object is small, the person may cup their hand around it. Hold can also refer to keeping something in one’s possession or preventing it from moving.
- For example, if someone is holding a book, they are preventing it from falling to the ground. If someone is holding a ball, they are keeping it from rolling away.
- Hold can also refer to emotions or states of mind, such as when someone says they are feeling anxious or when they say they need to hold onto their patience. In these cases, Hold refers to the act of controlling oneself or remaining calm in difficult situations.
What is Keep?
Keep means maintaining power or authority over it. This can be accomplished in a number of ways, depending on the thing that is being controlled. For example, one might keep control of a situation by remaining calm and collected, even in the face of adversity.
This allows one to think clearly and make decisions that are in line with their goals. Alternatively, one might keep control of a person or animal by using force or intimidation. This may work in the short term, but it is not usually a sustainable approach.
In general, the best way to keep control of something is to establish a clear plan and then take consistent actions that support that plan. By staying focused and taking things one step at a time, it is possible to achieve almost any goal.
Differences between Hold and Keep
Hold and keep are often used interchangeably, but there are actually some subtle differences between the two words.
- The hold is typically used to refer to something that you are physically holding in your hand or keeping under your control.
- For example, you might say “I need to hold onto this railing so I don’t fall.” In this case, hold suggests a more active sense of gripping or holding onto something.
- Keep, on the other hand, usually refers to maintaining possession or control of something.
- For example, you might say “Can you keep an eye on my bag while I go to the bathroom?” In this case, keep suggests a more passive sense of watching over or retaining something.
So, next time you’re not sure which word to use, think about whether you’re actively holding onto something or just keeping it safe.
Conclusion
The next time you are considering using the word “hold” in your writing, take a second to think about whether “keep” would be a better fit. If you’re not sure which word is best for your particular situation, ask a friend or colleague for their opinion. With a little effort, you can make sure that your writing is clear and accurate, and that your readers understand exactly what you mean.
