Hold on vs. Wait

These two verbs are synonymous but have subtle differences that we are going to clarify in this lesson.

What is the difference between 'hold on' and 'wait'?

The terms 'wait' and 'hold on' are both used to indicate a pause or delay in a conversation or an action. However, while 'wait' implies staying put until something happens, 'hold on' refers to interrupting an activity for a short while and then resuming it. This lesson will discuss these differences.

Delay vs. Interruption

'Wait' generally means to stay in a place or to not do something until a certain period of time has passed or until something happens. 'Hold on', however, means to pause or interrupt what you are doing or saying. For example:

The doctor is running a bit behind schedule, so we'll have to wait for our appointment.

Hold on, let me grab my jacket before we leave.

Context of Use

While 'wait' has a wider scope of usage and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, 'hold on' is mostly used in informal and spoken English. It is commonly used on the phone, when asking someone to stay on the line until the person they want to talk to comes to the phone. It can also be used to indicate surprise or disbelief at noticing or hearing something.

I asked the costumer to hold on while I transferred the call to the manager.

Hold on a second! Didn't you say you were gonna be on vacation this weekend?

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