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Anonymous Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Hold up vs. Hold on

Can I either say the following if I want someone to please wait?

Hold up one second.
Hold on one second.

What is the difference between them?

Thank you.
  

Top answer

Hi Anon; A "hold up" is a robbery. The gang held up three banks before they were captured. Also, say "hold up" when you are running after somebody, and you want them to stop and wait for you to catch up.

— AlpheccaStars

  • Hi Anon; A "hold up" is a robbery.
  • The gang held up three banks before they were captured.
  • Also, say "hold up" when you are running after somebody, and you want them to stop and wait for you to catch up.
  • Hold on means to stay on the line (don't hang up the phone).
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10 Answers
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Hi Anon;
A "hold up" is a robbery. The gang held up three banks before they were captured.
Also, say "hold up" when you are running after somebody, and you want them to stop and wait for you to catch up.

Hold on means to stay on the line (don't hang up the phone).
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Thank you very much.

Aren't they interchangeable in certain situations?

Can I say 'hold on' in the same sense as 'hold up' if I want someone to stay and wait for me to catch up?

If I've understood completely, 'hold up' is said if the person being told is in motion?
While 'hold on' is said if the person is not in motion and is therefore asked to stay or remain where
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AnonymousThank you very much.Aren't they interchangeable in certain situations?Can I say 'hold on' in the same sense as 'hold up' if I want someone to stay and wait for me to catch up?If I've understood completely, 'hold up' is said if the person being told is in motion?While 'hold on' is said if the person is not in motion and is therefore asked to stay or remain where h
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Thank you, AlpheccaStars, for your helpful explanations and examples.

I was wondering if British people also use 'hold up' and 'hold on' in the same sense (below) as Americans do as explained by AlpheccaStars. Could a British English speaker comment on this as well, please?

'hold up' - to ask someone to stop and wait for the speaker to catch up; to wait up
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Can I hear from a British English speaker on this, please, so I can compare with what AlpheccaStars (American English) has explained? Thanks. I am new to the UK.
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Hi:
Why don't you ask one of your British friends? Emotion: smile

I'll bet that if you do use to to ask someone to stop and let you
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Thank you, AlpheccaStars. I did ask them before on other questions, but I find this forum more helpful. I see D, as you pointed out, is closer to my question regarding the bus scenario I gave as an example.

Hi Mr Wordy,

I hope you don't mind me asking, but I understand you speak British English. Would you agree that British people use 'hold up' and 'hold on' in
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Hi Dave Philips,

I understand you also speak British English. I was wondering if you could share your opinion on this. Thank you.
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Hi you are lucky as I approved your post coming through the Moderators forum otherwise I might not have seen it. It may be better for you to register in future then you would have been able to send me or another British speaker personally.

In the context you are using hold on/hold up, yes they are interchangeable. The definitions that A Stars has given you are also correct and if you a
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Dave PhillipsHi you are lucky as I approved your post coming through the Moderators forum otherwise I might not have seen it. It may be better for you to register in future then you would have been able to send me or another British speaker personally.
I'm happy you were able to see it. OK, I will do register then.
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