- A hold means a grasp, something to hold, or an order to reserve something.
- Ahold is a variant form of a hold that is not widely used outside the U.S.
Does a space make a difference? Examine the case of ahold vs. a hold.
What does ahold mean?
Ahold often appears as part of the phrase get ahold of. In British English and other non-U.S. dialects, this phrase is usually written as get a hold of or simply get hold of.
Because ahold is usually considered to be an Americanism, you may be better off writing “get hold” or “take hold.” If the phrase sounds unnatural to you without the article, you may be less likely to raise eyebrows if you add the space: “get a hold.”
What does a hold mean?
A hold can refer to a physical grasp, such as when you take hold of a handle for support. However, it can also mean to control or dominate something or someone mentally or emotionally. When you put a hold on a hotel room or something else, a hold is an order of reservation. In wrestling, a hold is a move to keep your opponent restrained. Finally, in finance, a hold is a security.
Examples
Ahold is usually reserved for a physical hold, but a hold has a broader application. Is the same true for the pairs nevermind and never mind or followup and follow up?
