Grammar fix
hold out for
wait until you get what you want
To refuse to accept less than what you want, and keep waiting until you get it.
phrasal verbB2occasional
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
She decided to hold out for a better job offer instead of accepting the first one.
In my opinion, it's sometimes wise to hold out for the right opportunity rather than rushing into a decision.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: He's holding out a higher salary.
Say: He's holding out for a higher salary.
Don't drop 'for' — 'hold out FOR what you want'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Hold out for' captures 'refuse and wait for something better'; the paraphrase is wordy.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
hold out for
- for
- a better deal
- more money
- the right one