hold office
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بهطور تحتاللفظی: to hold (keep/possess) an office (a position/place of duty)
Use it to describe someone currently serving in a high-level, official, or elected position of authority.
در ۱۵ ثانیه
- Being in a position of power or authority.
- Used for elected officials or high-level executives.
- Implies responsibility and a specific term of service.
معنی
This phrase describes someone who is currently working in an important official position, usually in government or a high-level organization. It means they have the authority and the responsibilities that come with that specific job.
مثالهای کلیدی
3 از 6Discussing local politics
Our current mayor has held office since 2015.
Our current mayor has held office since 2015.
Talking about a historical figure
He was the youngest person to ever hold office in this state.
He was the youngest person to ever hold office in this state.
A casual debate about celebrities
Do you think a famous actor is qualified to hold office?
Do you think a famous actor is qualified to hold office?
زمینه فرهنگی
The phrase reflects the democratic ideal that political power is temporary and 'held' on behalf of the people rather than owned. It became widely used in the 17th and 18th centuries as modern governmental structures formed in Britain and America. It emphasizes the office as a distinct entity from the individual person.
Duration Matters
We usually use this phrase when talking about *how long* someone has been in power. Use it with 'for' or 'since'.
Not for Cubicles
Don't use this just because someone works in a physical office. It's about the *rank*, not the desk!
در ۱۵ ثانیه
- Being in a position of power or authority.
- Used for elected officials or high-level executives.
- Implies responsibility and a specific term of service.
What It Means
Hold office is about having a seat at the big table. It doesn't mean you are physically holding a building. It means you have been elected or appointed to a position of power. Think of it like holding a trophy you worked hard for. You possess the title, the duties, and the influence that come with it.
How To Use It
You use this phrase when talking about people in power. It usually follows a person's name or a title. For example, 'She has held office for ten years.' It sounds very professional and steady. It focuses on the duration and the status of the person's career. You can use it in the past, present, or future tense easily.
When To Use It
Use this during a serious news discussion or a history lesson. It is perfect for talking about mayors, presidents, or board members. If you are at a networking event, you might use it to describe a senior leader. It works well when you want to sound respectful and knowledgeable about how organizations work. It’s a great way to impress your boss during a meeting about leadership.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for entry-level jobs or casual work. You wouldn't say your friend holds office as a barista at the local coffee shop. That would sound like they are the 'President of Lattes,' which might be funny but is technically wrong. Avoid using it for temporary gigs or hobbies. It implies a level of public or professional accountability that a normal job doesn't have.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, holding office is tied to the idea of 'public trust.' It comes from a time when having a physical office meant you were a person of significance. It suggests that the position is bigger than the person. The person is just 'holding' it for a while until the next person takes over. It’s a very democratic way of looking at power.
Common Variations
You might hear run for office when someone is trying to get elected. Take office is used for the very first day they start. Leave office is used when their time is finished. In office is a shorter way to say they are currently there. All of these revolve around the same idea of the 'office' being a position of authority.
نکات کاربردی
This is a high-register collocation. It is almost exclusively used in formal writing, news reporting, and professional discussions about leadership.
Duration Matters
We usually use this phrase when talking about *how long* someone has been in power. Use it with 'for' or 'since'.
Not for Cubicles
Don't use this just because someone works in a physical office. It's about the *rank*, not the desk!
The 'Power' Secret
In the US and UK, saying someone 'holds office' sounds much more dignified than saying they 'have a job.' It implies they are serving the public.
مثالها
6Our current mayor has held office since 2015.
Our current mayor has held office since 2015.
Shows the duration of someone's leadership.
He was the youngest person to ever hold office in this state.
He was the youngest person to ever hold office in this state.
Highlights a significant achievement in a career.
Do you think a famous actor is qualified to hold office?
Do you think a famous actor is qualified to hold office?
Used in a conversational but serious debate.
Congrats! You now officially hold office as the club president!
Congrats! You now officially hold office as the club president!
Applying a formal term to a social club for a boost of importance.
The cat has held office as the 'Chief Nap Officer' for three years now.
The cat has held office as the 'Chief Nap Officer' for three years now.
Using formal language for a silly situation to create humor.
It has been the greatest honor of my life to hold office in this community.
It has been the greatest honor of my life to hold office in this community.
Expresses deep emotion and respect for the role.
خودت رو بسنج
Choose the correct verb to complete the professional phrase.
In many countries, a president can only ___ office for two terms.
The standard collocation is `hold office` to describe serving in a position.
Complete the sentence regarding a local election.
She is the first woman to ___ office in our small town.
We use `hold` to indicate the official status of being in power.
🎉 امتیاز: /2
ابزارهای بصری یادگیری
Formality Scale of 'Hold Office'
Talking about a friend's job
He has a job.
Discussing a manager
She is in a leadership role.
Political or high-level corporate talk
He holds office.
Where to use 'Hold Office'
Politics
The Governor holds office.
Non-Profits
The Board Chair holds office.
History
Kings used to hold office for life.
University
The Dean holds office.
سوالات متداول
10 سوالNo, it refers to their status and job title. You can hold office while you are on vacation in Hawaii!
It's a bit too formal for that. Usually, we save it for government or very high-level executive positions.
Take office is the moment you start the job. Hold office is the entire time you are doing the job.
Yes, it is very appropriate for formal or professional emails regarding leadership or elections.
Technically yes, but we usually use 'reign' for royalty. Hold office is more common for systems where people are elected.
Then they no longer hold office. You might say they were 'removed from office' or 'left office'.
Absolutely! It is used across all major English dialects for political and official contexts.
Yes, adding 'an' is grammatically correct, but the set phrase hold office is much more common.
No, it is the opposite of slang. It is a formal, standard legal and political expression.
Yes! If you want to make the student council sound important, you can say the president holds office.
عبارات مرتبط
In power
Currently controlling a government or organization.
Run for office
To try to get elected to a position.
Assume office
To formally begin the duties of a high position.
Term of office
The specific length of time someone is allowed to serve.
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