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Wait vs hold
What is the difference and proper use of the following "waiting" verbs :
1. Wait
2. Wait up
3. Hold it
4. Hold up
5. Hold on
Jun 17, 2018 6:48 AM
Answers · 5
1
4. Hold it: used if you were being asked to wait. Think of the start if a race, instead of "on your marks, get set" you could say "hold it, hold it"
5. Hold up: Used in the same way as wait up...more regional. So where I'm from in the North (Yorkshire) we say "'Old up" dropping the h. To get someone to slow down or wait.
Hope that helps!
June 17, 2018
1
As with a lot of English phrases it does depends on situations. Hope these help.
1. Wait: I'd use this as a direct order, with my students/children for example when they are crossing a road.
2. Wait up: this is more informal, so if I was with my friends and they were walking too fast I might say "wait up" for them to slow down.
3. Hold on: Used in conversation, perhaps if you were being accused of something or wanted something explained in more detail. For example: "I'm arresting you for murder" you might say "hold on, what do you mean?" It seeks further explanation.
June 17, 2018
My daughter, 15, uses "wait" as a temporiser, a thing to say while she thinks what she wants to say, wait, what she's going to say, wait, no, what she wants to say. :)
June 17, 2018
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Ensomih
Language Skills
English, Russian
Learning Language
English
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