Grammar fix
hold off
delay acting (especially making a decision or starting something)
to deliberately wait before doing something, especially to delay making a decision or taking action, often because you are waiting for a better moment or more information.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
We decided to hold off on buying a new car until next year.
In my opinion, it's sometimes wise to hold off making a big decision until you've considered all your options.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: Let's hold off to buy until the sale.
Say: Let's hold off on buying until the sale.
'Hold off ON + -ing', not 'hold off to + verb'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Hold off (on)' is the natural way to say wait before acting. 'Postpone making a decision' is wordy.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
hold off on + -ing
- on buying
- on a decision
- for now
- until later