Cool MateContain vs We can't hold them
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Contain
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
We can't hold them
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Contain
| Contain | We can't hold them | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/kənˈteɪn/","/kənˈteɪnz/","/kənˈteɪnd/","/kənˈteɪnɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kənˈteɪn/","/kənˈteɪnz/","/kənˈteɪnd/","/kənˈteɪnɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //wiː kɑːnt hoʊld ðɛm//🇺🇸 //wi kɑnt hoʊld ðɛm// |
| Meaning | To hold or keep something inside. | We cannot keep them in one place. |
| Example | The box can contain many toys. | We can't hold them for much longer. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | contain a substance, contain feelings, contain information, contain an outbreak, contain a fire | hold a meeting, hold a position, hold someone back, hold a conversation, hold an event |
| Antonyms | release, exclude, free | - |
| Common mistakes | 'Contain' is often confused with 'include' — understanding the difference in implying limits is key., Some learners may forget to use 'contain' with proper objects., Mistakenly using 'contained' as an intransitive verb. | Confused with 'keep' versus 'hold', Using the wrong tense, like 'held' instead of 'hold', Using a different subject, like 'We can hold him' instead of 'them' |
| Usage notes | Use 'contain' when discussing physical objects, substances, or abstract concepts like emotions. It's not typically used for non-physical situations. | Used commonly in everyday conversations. Consider the context for tense and subject. Avoid using in overly formal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Contain vs We can't hold them
What's the difference between Contain and We can't hold them?
Contain: To hold or keep something inside. We can't hold them: We cannot keep them in one place.
Which is more common: Contain and We can't hold them?
Contain is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Contain: The box can contain many toys. We can't hold them: We can't hold them for much longer.
Can I use Contain and We can't hold them interchangeably?
Not always. Contain and We can't hold them are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.